Have Scientists Found a Way to Prevent Constipation in PD?
- Stephanie Soto
- Sep 28
- 2 min read
A group of researchers from the University of Queensland looked at the different mechanisms in our spinal cord that allow us to voluntary have a bowel movement. Let's find out with these scientists discovered.
The researchers shared that the dysfunction in the area of the spinal cord called the spinal defecation center could be contributing to constipation in people with PD. This center uses dopamine to help initiate bowel movements, which highlights how many bodily systems are influenced by dopamine. However, with bowel movements, dopamine isn't the only influencer.
It is not commonly known that we have a hunger hormone called ghrelin. Ghrelin is commonly impacted by PD which leads to chronic constipation. The researchers were able to discover more information around the receptor protein for ghrelin. The researchers shared that in order for our GI system to work properly, ghrelin needs to do its job. They were able to use computer models and cellular studies to determine the relationship between dopamine receptors and ghrelin receptors. Suprisingly, they found that they do not physically interact but instead have signals that impact each other.
Dopamine is heavily used in this process and due to PD, it does not turn on and do its job properly. The researchers hypothesized that if a medication could mimic ghrelin, people with PD could experience less constipation. The researchers are planning on doing further research to determine if influencing ghrelin receptors could reduce constipation.
Finding ways to change chemical connections and signaling to help reduce constipation would be a game changer. Currently, treatments involve habit changes and laxatives, which are helpful but are not addressing the molecular and chemical changes that occur with PD. “This discovery might allow us to substantially improve the lives [of] people living with Parkinson’s disease" says one of the researchers. The U.S. Department of War has awarded this group 3 million dollars for further research.
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