The neuromelanin of human substantia nigra: structure, synthesis and molecular behaviour

The pigmented neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) are typically lost in Parkinson’s disease: however the possible relationship between neuronal vulnerability and the presence of neuromelanin (NM) has not been elucidated. Early histological studies revealed the presence of increasing amounts of NM in the SN with aging in higher mammals, showed that NM granules are surrounded by membrane, and comparatively evaluated the pigmentation of SN in different animal species. Histochemical studies showed the association of NM with lipofuscins. However, systematic investigations of NM structure, synthesis and molecular interactions have been undertaken only during the last decade. In these latter studies, NM was identified as a genuine melanin with a strong chelating ability for iron and affinity for compounds such as lipids, pesticides, and MPP+. The affinity of NM for a variety of inorganic and organic toxins is consistent with a postulated protective function for NM. Moreover, the neuronal accumulation of NM during aging, and the link between its synthesis and high cytosolic concentration of catechols suggests a protective role. However, its putative neuroprotective effects could be quenched in conditions of toxin overload.