Platelet alpha2adrenoceptors in Parkinson's disease: decreased number in untreated patients and recovery after treatment

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Abstract
[3H]-yohimbine binding sites were quantified in platelets from Parkinsonians with no clinical signs of dysautonomia. Never-treated Parkinsonians had a lower specific binding than control subjects. This alteration was associated with decreased epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation. Treatment with dopaminergic agents induced a significant increment of [3H]-yohimbine binding sites. These results show that Parkinson's disease is associated with a reduced number of peripheral alpha2 adrenoceptors and that dopaminergic agents induce partial recovery.