Insight into the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome
2000; Wiley; Volume: 62; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1002/1097-4547(20001201)62
ISSN1097-4547
AutoresChristopher J. Earley, Richard P. Allen, John L. Beard, James R. Connor,
Tópico(s)Sleep and Wakefulness Research
ResumoRestless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of sensation with a prevalence of around 2–5% of the population. Relevant to understanding the possible pathophysiological mechanism is the fact that RLS is extremely responsive to dopaminergic agents. A second issue is that iron deficiency states may precipitate RLS in as much as 25–30% of people with iron deficiency. Studies looking at basal ganglia dopaminergic function using PET and SPECT techniques have shown a decrease in binding potential for the dopamine receptor and transporter. Similar phenomena occurs in iron-deficient animals. Using MRI techniques and CSF analysis of iron-related protein, studies have suggested a reduction in brain iron concentration occurs in RLS patients. The relevance of CNS iron metabolism to the pathophysiology of RLS is discussed. J. Neurosci. Res. 62:623–628, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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