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BMC Neurology

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Autopsy | Research

Height and nigral neuron density in Parkinson’s disease

Authors: Laura Saari, Emmilotta A. Backman, Pia Wahlsten, Maria Gardberg, Valtteri Kaasinen

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

The dopaminergic system modulates growth hormone secretion and previous results have suggested a link between short stature and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

In 36 Lewy body spectrum disease (LBD) cases (PD = 22) and 19 controls, nigral TH-positive neuron densities were measured postmortem from midbrain sections and corrected with the Abercrombie method. Body measurements were collected from autopsies or patient records. Our aim was to investigate the possible relationship between height and the density of neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc).

Results

SNc neuron density (n/mm²) had an inverse association with height, (R² = 0.317, p < 0.0001) in patients. The association was not explained by weight, age, sex, brain weight, medication, or disease motor severity. The association was also separately observed in patients with PD (n = 22), but not in subjects who died without diagnosed neurological diseases.

Conclusions

Individual adult height may be connected to nigral neuron numbers in patients with LBDs, including PD.

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Title: Height and nigral neuron density in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Laura Saari
Emmilotta A. Backman
Pia Wahlsten
Maria Gardberg
Valtteri Kaasinen
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Autopsy
Pathology
Parkinson's Disease
Published in: BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-022-02775-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Height and nigral neuron density in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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