Insight into the pathophysiology of Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of sensation with a prevalence o f around 26% of the population. Relevant to understanding the possible path ophysiological mechanism is the fact that RLS is extremely responsive to do paminergic agents. A second issue is that iron deficiency states may precip itate RLS in as much as 25-30% of people with iron deficiency. Studies look ing at basal ganglia dopaminergic function using PET and SPECT techniques h ave shown a decrease in binding potential for the dopamine receptor and tra nsporter. Similar phenomena occurs in iron-deficient animals. Using MRI tec hniques and CSF analysis of iron-related protein, studies have suggested a reduction in brain iron concentration occurs in RLS patients. The relevance of CNS iron metabolism to the pathophysiology of RLS is discussed. J. Neur osci, Res. 62.623-628, 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.