"Cholinergic activity is reduced in PD, and this reduction appears to be closely linked to falls ...Cholinergic activity was lower only in fallers. Dopaminergic activity did not change between fallers and non-fallers, which implied that falls are mainly caused by reduced cholinergic activity. NC001 [Nicotine Bitartrate] reduced falls and FOG, we believe, through a direct effect on nicotinic receptors on cholinergic neurons (9,15,20–23)"
A reason why anticholinergic medications are not good for people with Parkinson's.
Nicotine Bitartrate is a drug under development. It is only currently available in minute quantities at high prices from chemical supply houses.
Botulinum toxin acts at the neuromuscular junction (motor plaque) blocking the release and effects of acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter of both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (SNP). By inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, botulinum toxin interferes with the nervous impulse and causes a characteristic flaccid paralysis of the muscles.
"They watched as the botulinum toxin stopped the nerve cells from communicating with muscles and caused local paralysis. But then they also saw the toxin move to nerve cells in neighbouring wells through the axons.
"Every time one fraction of the toxin acts locally (on the first nerve cell it contacts), another fraction acts at a distance," said Chapman. "It's unknown how far they travel, which likely depends on the dose of toxin and other factors."
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