Medical and Behavioral Research

Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that impairs movement and other functions.  The primary cause of Parkinson's disease is the loss of dopamine neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra that projects to another region of the brain called the striatum where dopamine may influence striatal neurons.  Dr. Park's research primarily focuses on the interaction between these dopamine neurons and a type of striatal neuron that produces a gaseous neuromodulator called nitric oxide in the rat parkinsonian brain.  The interaction between these two neurons has been shown to play a major role in motor behavior in the normal and parkinsonian brain.  Dr. Park employes a range of techniques to study this interaction including electrochemistry (amperometry), immunohistochemistry, behavioral tests, and biochemistry.  Observing this interaction may advance the understanding of the normal and parkinsonian brain for potential therapies.

Figure to the right showing normal brain (Top) and Parkinsonian brain (Bottom).