Treating Parkinson’s with a Blood Pressure Drug

In vitro testing of the blood pressure management drug isradipine yielded results supporting its use in treating Parkinson’s disease. The drug is a calcium channel inhibitor that functions to combat hypertension, and appears to have a positive effect on the dopamine-generating neurons that are affected by Parkinson’s.

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation showed that isradipine treatment in mice protects their dopaminergic neurons. The study was led by Dr. James Surmeier, a physiology professor at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago.

The team administered isradipine to mice for 7-10 days, then measured calcium levels in their dopamine-generating neurons via two-photon laser scanning microscopy. They found that these cells had lower calcium levels in the presence of isradipine, reducing the Parkinson’s related overactivity observed in these neurons. The drug also slows activity of mitochondria, decreasing oxidative stress and output of toxic compounds.

No side effects were detected, and all mice displayed normal behavior. This study supports the current clinical trials testing isradipine on humans, called STEADY-PD. The trials are now in their third phase, being carried out at over 50 sites in the U.S.

“If successful, isradipine will be the first drug to demonstrate the ability to slow progression of Parkinson’s disease.” – Dr. Tanya Simuni

Source: Medical News Today