Neurodegenerative iron

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in vesicles of the neuronal cells in the brain. Recent studies have shown that the dopamine vesicles are also used for iron storage and that, when dopamine production is obstructed, the iron in the vesicles
drastically decreases. This process is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of Parkinson's disease.

Comparison of the same region in a vesicle showing the presence of dopamine (left) and of iron (right). (Image credit: R. Ortega, copyright 2007 R. Ortega).

Further information:

• Scientists spot sneaky "neurodegenerative" iron at the European synchrotron

• Iron storage within dopamine neurovesicles revealed by X-ray fluorescence nano-imaging

• Ref.: R. Ortega et al.,  PLoS ONE 2, e925 (2007).