DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/XWH0-F992
Defense Date
1992
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Anatomy & Neurobiology
First Advisor
George R. Leichnetz
Abstract
Oculomotor deficits are now recognized as being present in several neurological diseases of the basal ganglia. The present report will focus primarily on those observed in Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases. Neuronal cell loss in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra, degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway, and consequent depletion of the neurotransmitter dopamine is the most obvious etiological abnormality in Parkinson's disease. Huntington's disease, on the other hand, involves the selective genetically-driven atrophy of the striatum (caudate and putamen). In order to attempt to understand oculomotor dysfunction, as a component of basal ganglia disease, it is necessary to first establish a definition of the basal ganglia, its relevant connections, and their associated neurotransmitters and functions.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
6-28-2016