Abstract
Animal studies clearly demonstrate that either dying neurons are revived or remaining healthy neurons sprout new processes in response to neurotrophic factors. Thus, in view of their restorative potential, specific alignments of neurotrophic factors may be called the “natural repair system” for damaged neurons. However, several serious hurdles remain to be overcome before the neurotrophins themselves are applicable for the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Alternatively, the antioxidant, the efficiency of the respiratory chain improving, antiphlogistic, anti-apoptotic, prodifferentiating, and neurotrophin-activating β-carbolines are promising small molecules with neuroprotective and even restorative potential. They may become alternative compounds for the therapy of PD and other neurodegenerative diseases in the foreseeable future.
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Rommelspacher, H. (2012). Prospects for New Treatment Options in Neurodegenerative Diseases. In: Antkiewicz-Michaluk, L., Rommelspacher, H. (eds) Isoquinolines And Beta-Carbolines As Neurotoxins And Neuroprotectants. Current Topics in Neurotoxicity, vol 1. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1542-8_11
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