NSF Award
9016469
Melanins are a class of cellular pigments found in the tissues of organisms. Neuromelanin, a product of catecholamines metabolism, is a pigment found in the central nervous system of some mammals, including man. The catecholamines involved in the production of neuromelanin are two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. The function of neuromelanin is unknown but there is indirect evidence that it may be important in determining the behavior of aminergic neurons, particularly those neurons involved in the genesis of Parkinsonism. The goal of this project is to determine the role of neuromelanin by studying the pigment in vivo, using the scanning tunnelling electron microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. With these techniques it should be possible to monitor changes in the paramagnetic and semiconductor properties of the pigment and relate them to different functional states of the neurons. This investigation will increase the understanding of this neurochemical which may be involved with the cause and treatment of Parkinson's disease and neuropsychiatric disorders.
