Restless Legs Syndrome and the Melanocortin System

Abstract

The objective of this proposal is to study the underlying biological mechanisms of restless legs syndrome (RLS). We propose to study the hormonal melanocortin (MC) system in humans with RLS, based upon similarities between the MC hormones and features of RLS. Central to RLS are an urge to move associated with sensory discomfort and increased movement to alleviate symptoms. The MC hormones are well known to mediate increased locomotion and pain sensitivity in rats and cause motor restlessness when administered in humans. In this proposal, we will evaluate MC biology in humans by measuring MC hormone levels in blood and CSF of persons with RLS compared to persons without RLS. We hypothesize that MC hormone levels will be higher in persons with RLS and will correlate to the severity of RLS.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2021
Accession Number
AD1155408

Entities

People

  • Brian B. Koo

Organizations

  • Yale University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Cell Line
  • Cells
  • Covid-19
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  • Department Of Defense
  • Dopamine
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Fields of Study

  • Medicine

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