Reduction in QSART and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide expre...

BACKGROUND: With regards to dyshidrosis in Parkinson's disease (PD), there is no established and consistent view on the occurrence sites, frequency and etiology, although there have been several reports on hypohidrosis of the limbs and sudoresis on the face/cervical region. METHODS: Hydrosis in the forearms of PD patients and healthy individuals were compared by quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART). The expression of various neuropeptides and alpha-synuclein was examined with immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in QSART of PD patients but not of healthy controls. Reduced expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was also detected in the sweat glands of PD patients. CONCLUSION: Reduction in QSART and VIP expression in the sweat glands might be involved in the dyshidrosis of PD patients.