Abstract
In a study of oesophageal motility in 20 patients with Parkinson's disease, intravenous atropine produced marked disruption of co-ordination in response to swallows, when compared with control subjects. This suggests that cholinergic rather than dopaminergic mechanisms are more important in the control of swallowing in patients with Parkinsonism. No conclusive evidence of peripheral dopamine depletion or autonomic neuropathy was found, although minor changes suggestive of the former were found in severely affected patients.
MeSH terms
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Aged
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Atropine / pharmacology
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Bethanechol Compounds / pharmacology
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Brain Stem / physiopathology
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Deglutition Disorders / physiopathology
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Esophagogastric Junction / physiopathology
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Esophagus / innervation
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Esophagus / physiopathology*
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Manometry
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Middle Aged
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Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology*
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Parkinson Disease / physiopathology*
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Peristalsis / drug effects
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Receptors, Cholinergic / physiology
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Vagus Nerve / physiopathology
Substances
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Bethanechol Compounds
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Neurotransmitter Agents
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Receptors, Cholinergic
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Atropine