In this movie neurologist Per Svenningsson at Karolinska Institute explains how 3D visualization of the brain using light-sheet microscopy can be used to better understand Parkinson´s disease.

In Parkinson´s disease dopaminergic neurons in the part of the brain called substantia nigra degenerate and die. The neurotransmittor dopamine acts via dopamine receptors and is responsible for the reward system and the control of movement. The dopamine released during signaling between neurons can be taken up by transporters and be reused, but it can also be degraded by specific enzymes.

The loss of dopamine producing cells results in tremor, muscle stiffness and and slowness, which are the most common symptoms of Parkinson´s disease. These symptoms can be treated by restoring dopamine levels, but there is currently no cure for this illness. Using 3D imaging can help in understanding which parts of the dopamine neurons that are first affected and thereby give some clues on how to rescue them.

Link to movie

Link to short version movie