31. Lewy bodies may be found in the brainstem ( within the Substantia Nigra ) or within the cortex. 32. Another important input comes from the substantia nigra, pars reticulata, a component of the basal ganglia. 33. Such degradation can occur in the substantia nigra where decreased dopamine production results in a loss of function. 34. Disorders in energy creation by mitochondria can cause cellular degeneration, like those seen in the substantia nigra. 35. However, with this treatment, the number of substantia nigra neurons decrease so it becomes less efficient. 36. This disease is caused by cells being destroyed in the part of the brainstem called the substantia nigra. 37. The locomotor enhancing properties of cocaine may be attributable to its enhancement of dopaminergic transmission from the substantia nigra. 38. Purkyn was also the first to describe and illustrate in 1838 the intracytoplasmic pigment neuromelanin in the substantia nigra. 39. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the substantia nigra, a component of the basal ganglia. 40. In vivo the direct administration of neurturin into substantia nigra of mice models also shows mature DA neuron protection.
