Disruption of Dopaminergic and Cholinergic Function in Military Deployment Implications to Parkinson's Disease

Abstract : The goal of this project is to evaluate the potential of pesticides and other compounds used by the military for their potential to damage the brain dopamine system and increase the risk for Parkinson's disease. Notable research accomplishments over the past year include the following: Deltamethrin increased the expression of DAT, TH, and VMAT2, locomotor activity in C57BL mice. Deltamethrin did not exacerbate the toxicity to the dopamine neurotoxin MPTP either given before or after MPTP. Chlorpyrifos had no effect on dopamine uptake in neuroblastoma cells and did not exacerbate MPTP toxicity. Pyridostigmine bromide had no effect on dopamine uptake in neuroblastoma cells. JP-8 jet fuel is toxic to neuroblastoma cells only at 1 mM concentrations. No toxicity was seen at concentrations from 100 nM to 500 uM. Thus, with all of the compounds studied we have not observed toxicity consistent with a compound that would be thought to cause overt damage to the dopamine system. However, we have seen alterations of the dopamine system that must be studied further. The completion of this study will reveal the impact of militarily relevant agents on the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and hopefully lead to strategies and policies that reduce the incidence of the disease.