SWEAT FUNCTION IN PARKINSONS-DISEASE

Sweat function was studied in patients with Parkinson's disease and in normal adults by sympathetic skin response, the bromphenol blue print ing method and the silicone mould method. In patients with Parkinson's disease, dysfunction of sweating was classified into two types: one t ype involved the postganglionic fibres and the other involved the preg anglionic fibres or the central nervous system. The latter was observe d in patients with milder disease and the former was observed in patie nts with severe disease. The progressive involvement of sweat function in Parkinson's disease may reflect spread from the central nervous sy stem or preganglionic fibres to postganglionic fibres. In a few patien ts the results of sweat tests were normal. Ceruletide increased sweati ng in Parkinson's disease patients, and decreased the prolonged latenc y of the sympathetic skin response. It is hypothesized that ceruletide facilitates the preserved somatosympathetic reflex of sweating.