Mapping of iron deposition gradients in the nigrostriatal system in normal aging and Parkinson's disease

Motivation: The gradient characterization of microenvironment in nigrostriatal system is key to understanding striatal dysfunction in PD. Goal(s): To investigate the gradients of neurodegeneration in nigrostriatal system in normal aging and PD. Approach: Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and spatial method were used to detect the spatial gradient of iron deposition in healthy young people, normal elderly and PD in vivo. Results: During normal aging, iron deposition was significant in almost all segments of the striatum, and iron content was even higher in some segments of the caudate than in PD. Iron deposition in PD is mainly in the central substantia nigra. Impact: The present study reveals the spatial gradient of iron deposition in the nigrostriatal system in normal aging and PD, providing more subtle and profound insights into the pathological changes in subcortical nuclei during neurodegeneration.