8 Jun 2007

Northwestern University, USA, has recently published results from a study looking at isradipine, a drug used for the treatment of hypertension and stroke, in a model of Parkinson’s disease.

Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research and Development for the Parkinson’s Disease Society (PDS), said:

“It is interesting that researchers at Northwestern University have shown that the drug isradipine, appears to slow or stop the death of nerve cells in the brain in a model of Parkinson’s. Isradipine is already used for the treatment of hypertension and stroke.

“Parkinson’s is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain and this is understood to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is hoped that if this process of cell death could be halted or reversed, the symptoms of the condition could also be reduced. 

“Uncovering how these nerve cells die is crucial to gaining a better understanding of the condition and to developing new treatments. This study appears to suggest that calcium plays a role in the death of nerve cells, as isradipine blocks calcium’s route into the cells in the brain and changes how they behave. Too much calcium within the cell makes them more fragile and more likely to be sensitive to the effects of toxic external factors.

“However, the results that have been reported are from a very early stage pre-clinical trial using a model of Parkinson’s. Further trials are needed to establish whether similar results are seen in people with the condition. 

“It is too early to state with confidence that this drug will be appropriate for the treatment for Parkinson’s disease. We can also not predict whether this drug will be used as a preventative or protective measure in the future. A significant amount of further research will be required before any definite conclusions can be drawn.

“The PDS is at the forefront of Parkinson’s research in the UK, having invested more than £30m since 1969 into studying the causes, treatments and potential cures for the condition.

“Research is ongoing in several exciting areas, including stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, and neuroprotective therapies, which all provide the hope of an effective cure for the 120,000 people with Parkinson’s in the UK.”