Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in Parkinson's disease?

In Parkinson's disease, the primary neurotransmitter involved is dopamine. This condition is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain that plays a crucial role in coordinating movement. The loss of dopamine leads to the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability.

Dopamine is essential for transmitting signals that regulate motor control and coordination. Therefore, when dopamine levels drop due to neuronal death, patients experience the motor deficits associated with Parkinson's disease. Treatments often focus on increasing dopamine levels or mimicking its action to alleviate symptoms.

Serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine are also neurotransmitters that play various roles in the nervous system, but they do not have the same direct link to the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease as dopamine does. Understanding the specific involvement of dopamine helps clarify why it is considered the primary neurotransmitter in this context.