[Parkinson disease and the neuronal dopamine uptake complex].

The dopamine carrier (dopamine uptake complex) is located on the membrane of dopaminergic neurons in a diffuse pattern. It is involved in the uptake of the dopamine released into the synaptic cleft. Considered at the level of nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurons, whose degeneration is responsible for the Parkinson's disease, this carrier seems to constitute a major target. It could be involved in the nigro-striatal neurodegeneration by concentrating neurotoxins. Its in vivo labelling by position emitting agents should allow evidencing of a partial striatal dopaminergic denervation, before the occurrence of extrapyramidal troubles. Its blockable by pure dopamine uptake inhibitors, by preventing the neuronal concentration of toxins, could stop the neurodegeneration process. These agents by inhibiting the dopamine reuptake, could also lessen extrapyramidal troubles as well as the depressive manifestations which are frequently associated to Parkinson's disease.