Using Radioactive Cocaine to Help Diagnose Parkinson’s

    by Vortexanot

    9 Comments

    1. This radioactive molecule (Iodine-123 ioflupane, a cocaine analog) binds to dopamine receptors in the part of the brain affected by Parkinson’s disease. If your striatum looks like a comma, the dopamine-binding cells are intact. If it looks like a period, the cells have died, supporting the diagnosis of a Parkinsonian syndrome.

    2. Well, there are many uses for all the leftover cocaine from Coca-Cola’s decocainized coca leaves

    3. YogaNymphNature3 on

      aight, have to admitt he idea of using radioactive cocaine is super bizarre but kinda fascinating!

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