Manganese neurotoxicity: behavioral disorders associated with dysfunctions in the basal ganglia and neurochemical transmission
J. Neurochem.. 2015-12-28; 136(4): 677-691
DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13442
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Bouabid S(1)(2)(3), Tinakoua A(1)(2)(3), Lakhdar-Ghazal N(3), Benazzouz A(1)(2).
Author information:
(1)University de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293,
Bordeaux, France.
(2)CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France.
(3)Université Mohammed V, Faculté des Sciences, Equipe Rythmes Biologiques,
Neurosciences et Environnement, Rabat, Morocco.
Manganese (Mn) is an essential element required for many physiological
functions. While it is essential at physiological levels, excessive accumulation
of Mn in the brain causes severe dysfunctions in the central nervous system
known as manganism. Manganism is an extrapyramidal disorder characterized by
motor disturbances associated with neuropsychiatric and cognitive disabilities
similar to Parkinsonism. As the primary brain regions targeted by Mn are the
basal ganglia, known to be involved in the pathophysiology of extrapyramidal
disorders, this review will examine the impact of Mn exposure on the basal
ganglia circuitry and neurotransmitters in relation to motor and non-motor
disorders. The collected data from recent available studies in humans and
experimental animal models provide new information about the mechanisms by which
Mn affects behavior, neurotransmitters, and basal ganglia function observed in
manganism. The effects of the alterations of metals on basal ganglia and
neurochemical functioning are critical to develop effective modalities not only
for the treatment of vulnerable populations (e.g., Mn-exposed workers) but also
for understanding the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases where brain metal
imbalances are involved, such as Parkinson’s disease. We examine the impact of
manganese (Mn) exposure on the basal ganglia circuitry and neurotransmitters in
relation with motor and non-motor disorders. The collected data from available
studies show that when accumulated in the globus pallidus, Mn influences the
subthalamic (STN) and substantia nigra (SN) neurons, which are at the origin of
changes in the thalamus and the cortex.
© 2015 International Society for Neurochemistry.
DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13442
PMID: 26608821