Serum neopterin levels and gallium transferrin binding in Parkinson's disease

S.J. Winsper, Richard A. Armstrong, H. Pall, D. Fuchs, J.A. Blair

Research output: Unpublished contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

The unconjugated pterin neopterin is secreted by macrophages activated by interferon-gamma and hence, the level of neopterin in serum may be used as a marker of a cellular immune response in a patient. Serum neopterin levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 28 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and 28 age and sex matched controls. The level of serum neopterin was significantly elevated in PD compared with controls suggesting immune activation in these patients. The level of neopterin was negatively correlated with the level of binding of gallium to transferrin (Tf) but unrelated to the level of iron binding. Hence, in PD, it is possible that a cellular immune response may be important in the pathogenesis of the disease. One effect of the cellular immune response may be a reduction in the binding of metals other than iron to Tf and this could also be a factor in PD.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 1994
EventBrain Research Association Conference - Southampton (UK)
Duration: 11 Apr 199414 Apr 1994

Conference

ConferenceBrain Research Association Conference
CitySouthampton (UK)
Period11/04/9414/04/94

Bibliographical note

Abstract appearing in Brain Res Assoc Abstr 11:P48.

Keywords

  • unconjugated pterin neopterin
  • macrophages
  • interferon-gamma
  • cellular immune response
  • Parkinson's disease

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Serum neopterin levels and gallium transferrin binding in Parkinson's disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this