The role of phosphodiesterase 10A in early de novo sporadic PD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of phosphodiesterase 10A in early de novo sporadic PD: An in vivo positron emission tomography study
IRAS ID
169265
Contact name
Oliver Howes
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE-10A) is a protein expressed mainly in a specific area of the brain called striatum, which contribute to the control of movement and behaviour. Previous work on animals have shown that dysregulation of PDE-10A may lead cells in the brain to die. Parkinson’s (PD) is a progressive neurological condition, which affect mainly the striatum. The loss of nerve cells in the striatum causes the development of PD.
We believe PDE-10A may be altered at very early stage of this disease and its change may influence the development of symptoms of PD. If this hypothesis is true, PDE-10A could be a targeted with drugs which could offer neuronal protection, increased survival of neurons, and therefore alleviation of the clinical symptoms.
We will ask the participants to undertake two special types of brain scans, which can be used to measure the activity of PDE-10A enzyme and dopamine cells. This type of scan is called positron emission tomography (PET), which can be used to measure chemical changes within the brain and consequently study the functions of the brain. We will also ask participants to take a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain that will be used to help us with the analysis of the PET scans.
We will analyse the results from the PET scans with advanced computer software in order to investigate the expression of PDE-10A in Parkinson’s disease. The investigators of this study have world-class experience with this type of computer image analysis.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0279
Date of REC Opinion
17 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion