Insight into the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome

Christopher J. Earley, Richard P. Allen, John L. Beard, James Connor

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

197 Scopus citations

Abstract

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. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)623-628
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research
Volume62
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 21 2000

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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