Parkinson's disease diagnosis and impact on hormonal level

Functional imaging of the dopamine transporter [DAT] defines integrity of the dopaminergic system and has its main clinical application in patients with mild, incomplete, or uncertain parkinsonism. The radiopharmaceutical, DaTSCAN uses an iodine containing compound [ioflupane 123]. When injected into the bloodstream, it passes through the blood brain barrier and becomes attached to dopamine transporters in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system [i.e. that system which has degenerated in Parkinson's with consequent reduction of dopamine production]. Parkinson's is characterized by severe loss of dopamine neurons and dopamine transports associated with them. Differenciation between [P.D.] and Essential Tremor [E T] is explained, with the impact of [P D] on hormonal level