Poster Abstracts Wednesday, November 9, 2005 $373

determine the pathophysiologic role of E4SV in sporadic PD patients will be of importance.

1076 Analysis of Partdn Co-Regulated Gene (PACRG) in a Taiwanese/Ethnic Clfi.neSe cohort with early onset Parldnson's Disease

Taylor, J .M ~, Wu, R.M 2, Farrer, M.J 3, Delatycki, M a and Lockhart, P.J~. 1Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoeh Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia," 2Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; SDepartment of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA

Background: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder of which the etiology is not well understood. However, recent studies have identified several genes associated with the disease. Mutation of the Parkin gene is the most common cause of early-onset PD (EO-PD) ( < 45 years at onset). We recently demonstrated that Parkin shares a common bi-directional promoter with the novel gene, PArkin Co-Regnlated Gene (PACRG). Gene products regulated by bi- directional promoters often interact or function in a common meta- bolic pathway. We hypothesise that PACRG may interact with Parkin and possibly play an important role in the pathogenesis of EO-PD. Method: We have performed an analysis of the P A C R G gene in a cohort of EO-PD cases that have previously been excluded for mutations in the PD associated genes Parkin and D J-1. All 5 exons of PACRG were sequenced to search for splice site and coding sequence point mutations. To identify possible deletion/duplication mutations, gene dosage studies were perforated. Results: Direct sequencing failed to identify any alterations in the coding sequence of PACRG in 40 EO-PD cases. Results from the quantitative RT-PCR studies have identified several possible exonic deletions/duplications in PACRG that warrant further study. Analysis of an additional 100 EO-PD cases is ongoing. Conclusion: Tiffs study suggests that the PACRG gene may play a role in the development of fanfflial and sporadic EO-PD, however it also highlights that novel genetic, causes of PD remain to be identified.

1077 Parldnsonisul at a nursing facility

Trevisol-Bitleneomt p1j,3,4, Pioner, L L3, Tomaselli, pL3, Nahounl, R L3, Touruier, M 1, Collares, C L2'3"4'5, Bittencourt, F 2'4. 2Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florian@olis/SC, Brasil," 2Hospital Santa Teresa, S6o Pedro de Aledntara/SC, Brasil," SHospita[ Universitdrio/UFSC, Florian@olis/SC, Brasil," 4 Clbziea Nterdiseiplinar de Epilepsia do Estado de SC, Florian@olis/SC, Brasil; S Centro de Controle de Inwxicacdes de Sdo Paulo, Brasil

Background: Parkinsordsm (PK) is the commonest non-vascular neurological disorder among elderly people. The main cause of PK worldwide is idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (IPD). However, second- ary P K drug-induced (DIP) has becoming a quite common condition nowadays. Although the prevalence of P K increases with age, data about this group is limited in Brazil. Methods: A transversal study of persons living at private nursing home in southern Brazil. We found 47 individuals more than 60 years old, both sex. The data were obtained by clinical history and neurological exanffnation, in addition with analysis o f their medical records and interview of relatives as well. Results: The sample was 47 persons, 31 female, 16 male. The age ranged from 60 to 99 years old. In eight individuals unequivocal symptoms of PK were found, all of them were female. [PD was diagnosticated in 50% and DIP in the remaining group. The related drugs were mainly neuroleptics (haloperidol and levomepromazine) and calcium channel blockers (dnarizine and flunarizine). Conclusion: The prevalence of PK in tiffs people was higher than expected in the general population. The main reason for this

exaggerate DIP prevalence is the misuse of drugs to treat minor symptoms, behavioral or not, usually showed by these peculiar persons. Considering the current massive marketing of "revolutionary medications", Paracelsus legacy should be renffnded by all professors committed to a more sensible medical education and practice.

1078 Delaying gastric emptying time in Parkinson fs disease patients

Tsuboi, Y, Saitoh, N, Yamada, T. Department Of Neurology, Fukuoka University

Objective: The estimate gastric emptying time by using micro-barium maker technique in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and control subjects. Background: Impairment of gastric motility has been found in 70% of PD patients. Delayed gastric emptying time is probably associated with anorexia, abdominal fullness, nausea and constipation, which frequently seen in PD patients. These signs may also affect the ability of drug absorption and therefore contribute to motor fluctuations in PD. Micro-barium maker technique is considered an easy clinical testing for estimation of gastric stasis. To our knowledge, this is the first study using micro-barimn capsule for estimating gastric function in PD. Design]Methods: We evaluated 14 patients with PD (6 Men, 8 Women, age; 62 -c 9 years, disease duration; 5 ± 3 years, Hoehn & Yahr stage 2.2 ± 0.8) and 11 control subjects (9 Men, 2 Women, age; 72 ± 10 years). Patients with PD were diagnosed by established clinical criteria. Patients took one capsule contairdng 20 micro barium makers (Sitzmakers') after standardized breakfast. Three hours after the taking capsule, we took a plain abdominal radiograph shortly after taking small amount of contrast medium. We counted the number of the residual makers in the stomach. Results: In PD patients, maker count in the stomach (MCS) was 16.5 ± 5.8, which was significantly greater than that of control subjects (15.9 ± 4.1, p < 0.001). MCS was not correlates with age, sex, disease duration and Hoehn &Yahr stage in PD patients. We also failed to show any correlation between MCS and dopaminergic medications. Conclusion: Delayed gastric emptying time was seen in PD patients. These results revealed impaired gastric movement seen in PD might be early sign of PD and not correlate with disease severity or dopanffnergic medications.

1079 An alcohol responsive, unilateral arm tremor with associated signs of Parldnson's Disease- a case presentation of tile clinical and electrographie fimUngs

Tuck, K 1, Cowey, M 1, Day BJ 1 , Collins SJ 2. 2Neuroscience Department, The A[fred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; 2Neurology Department, St Vineent's Hospital Melbourne, Australia

Background: A 55 year old previously well male, presents with a 12 month history of left upper limb trenlor and signs of ipsilateral mild hemiparkinsonisnl. The tremor was unresponsive to a Levodopa trial to 750mg/day. The patient volunteered that alcohol significantly suppressed the tremor. A formal electrographic tremor study was performed. Method: Surface electronlyography from bilateral foreanll flexor and extensor muscles and accelerometry from the left hand was performed. Recordings were made with the hands at rest, with posture, during non-goal directed action, and with tasks such as pouring and spiral drawing. A video of gait and rapid hand movements was recorded. The patient then consumed 200mls of alcohol over 30 minutes. The clinical and electrographic recordings were repeated. Results: Baseline studies revealed a left hand tremor at rest, with posture and with action. Tremor amplitude was greater with posture/action compared to rest. Tremor frequency was 5-5.5Hz at