Reduced number of caudate nucleus dopamine uptake sites in vascular dementia

The dopamine (DA) uptake sites in the caudate nucleus were studied in patie nts with vascular dementia (VAD) and in a control group using the presynapt ic DA uptake site marker [H-3][2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-fluorophenyl) tropane] as radioligand. There was a significant decrease in the number of DA uptake sites in the VAD group, while the binding affinity was unchanged. The present results indicate that in the patients investigated, the cerebr ovascular disease process involves dopaminergic neuron terminals in the cau date nucleus. Our findings are discussed in relation to the reductions in n umber of DA uptake sites that have previously been revealed in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.