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Insight into the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome
Author(s) -
Earley Christopher J.,
Allen Richard P.,
Beard John L.,
Connor James R.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of neuroscience research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.72
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1097-4547
pISSN - 0360-4012
DOI - 10.1002/1097-4547(20001201)62:5<623::aid-jnr1>3.0.co;2-h
Subject(s) - restless legs syndrome , pathophysiology , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , neuroscience , psychology , neurology
Restless 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.