重组人促红细胞生成素(rhEPO)对帕金森病大鼠模型小胶质细胞活化的影响

目的探讨重组人促红细胞生成素(recombinant human erythropoietin,rhEPO)对6-羟基多巴胺(6-OHDA)诱导的SD大鼠帕金森病(PD)模型小胶质细胞活化的影响。方法 40只SD大鼠随机分为A组(rhEPO+6-OHDA)、B组(生理盐水+6-OHDA)、C组(6-OHDA)、D组(生理盐水),每组10只。(1)A组:右侧纹状体内立体定向注射重组促红细胞生成素(rhEPO),24h后同侧黒质内立体定向注射6-OHDA;(2)B组:右侧纹状体内立体定向注射与rhEPO等量的生理盐水,24h后同侧黒质内立体定向注射6-OHDA;(3)C组:右侧黒质内立体定向注射6-OHDA;(4)D组:右侧黒质内立体定向注射与6-OHDA等量的生理盐水。4w后采用免疫组化检测黒质内酪氨酸羟化酶(TH)阳性神经元和CD11b阳性细胞数量及CD11b阳性细胞形态变化。结果与D组比较,A组大鼠黒质TH阳性神经元明显减少,CD11b阳性细胞明显增多,大部分小胶质细胞胞体小,突起细长;与B组和C组比较,A组大鼠黒质TH阳性神经元显著增多,CD11b阳性细胞显著减少,仅有少量小胶质细胞胞体大,突起短粗。结论重组人促红细胞生成素(rhEPO)可能通过抑制小胶质细胞活化,减轻6-OHDA对多巴胺(DA)能神经元的毒性损害,对DA能神经元产生神经保护作用。     

6-羟基多巴定向注射建立帕金森病大鼠模型的实验研究

目的探讨立体定向间隔注射6-羟基多巴(6-OHDA)毁损黑质致密部(SNc)和中脑腹侧被盖(VTA)建立类似于人类帕金森病(PD)中晚期的PD大鼠模型方法。方法近交系Wistar大鼠50只,脑立体定向将6-OHDA注入大鼠右侧VTA及SNc,间隔两周,对阿朴吗啡(Apo)诱发旋转后旋转不明显或无稳定左侧旋转模型再次制模,并观察大鼠行为学改变,免疫组化检测黑质多巴胺(DA)能神经元的数量以及高效液相-荧光法检测黑质纹状体中DA含量的变化。结果(1)50只大鼠中有41只经APO诱导表现为恒定左侧旋转且结果稳定,旋转圈数>210r/30min,视为成功PD大鼠模型,部分大鼠伴有震颤、活动迟缓、嗅探、觅食、竖尾等异常行为改变,并且可持续存在16周;(2)免疫组化结果:PD大鼠模型毁损侧黑质区多巴胺能神经元较对侧及对照组减少大于90%;(3)PD大鼠右侧黑质纹状体中DA含量较左侧及对照组减少90%以上。结论6-OHDA毁损SNc及VTA间隔注射法可有效建立模拟人类PD中晚期的大鼠PD模型。     

甲氰菊酯联合多巴胺对小鼠多巴胺能神经通路的影响

目的观察甲氰菊酯(Fenpropathrin,Fen)单独腹腔注射及与多巴胺(Dopamine,DA)立体定向注射联合使用对C57BL小鼠黑质纹状体多巴胺能神经通路的影响。方法分别采用Fen腹腔注射、DA立体定向注射至纹状体及DA预处理联合Fen注射建立C57BL小鼠模型,观察小鼠行为学变化,HPLC检测脑组织内Fen的含量;激光共聚焦显微镜观察小鼠的黑质多巴胺能神经元及纹状体的TH染色。结果 Fen及DA分别单独使用及DA预处理联合Fen注射均造成小鼠自主活动能力减少,HPLC检测显示小鼠脑组织中Fen的浓度与腹腔Fen给药浓度成正比,TH染色发现Fen连续使用7 d和DA立体定向注射后第7 d的小鼠黑质均出现神经元中TH表达不均一,并且纹状体出现斑片状的TH染色丢失,其中DA预处理后使用Fen注射7d组改变最明显。结论 Fen能够透过小鼠血脑屏障,可以直接作用于小鼠黑质纹状体多巴胺能系统,并且可以明显增强DA对黑质纹状体的损伤作用。     

微囊化猪视网膜色素上皮细胞移植治疗帕金森病的实验研究(英文)

目的研究微囊化后的猪视网膜色素上皮细胞(retinal pigment epithelial,RPE)对帕金森病大鼠模型的移植疗效。方法原代培养RPE 并传代,高效液相色谱法测定培养液上清中多巴胺(dopamine, DA)和高香草酸(homovanillic acid, HVA)的含量,ELISA法检测脑源性神经营养因子(brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF)和胶质细胞源性神经营养因子(glial-derived neurotrophic factor, GDNF)的含量。用高压静电成囊装置制备海藻酸钠-多聚赖氨酸-海藻酸钠微囊化细胞。6-羟基多巴胺(6-hydroxydopamine, 6-OHDA)毁损内侧前脑束 (medial fore-brain bundle,MFB)建立 SD 大鼠帕金森病模型。立体定向移植 RPE+ 微囊,检验旋转实验、免疫组化和脑内生化的变化。结果 RPE 培养上清液中DA、HVA、BDNF、GDNF 的含量稳定,微囊化后细胞长期存活,活性没有明显变化。6-OHDA毁损MFB建立大鼠帕金森病模型的成模率为83%。移植微囊化的RPE后有效率为33%。结论猪 RPE 体外培养生长旺盛,持续分泌 DA、BDNF 和 GNDF,微囊化不影响其分泌功能。RPE 移植对帕金森病大鼠有一定的治疗作用。     

帕金森病大鼠模型神经元型一氧化氮合酶(nNOS)阳性神经元的实验研究

目的 观察研究帕金森病(PD)大鼠模型纹状体神经元型一氧化氮合酶(nNOS)阳性神经元，探讨一氧化氮(NO)在PD发病机制中所起作用。方法 应用立体定向技术建立6-OHDA毁损的大鼠PD模型，通过多巴胺受体激动剂阿扑吗啡(APO)测试大鼠旋转行为，免疫组化方法观察黑质酪氨酸羟化酶(TH)阳性神经元和纹状体nNOS阳性神经元的变化。结果 大鼠6-OHDA损毁侧黑质TH阳性神经元数目较对侧明显减少，双侧纹状体nNOS阳性神经元数目无显著差异。结论 6-OHDA对TH阳性神经元有损伤作用，而NOS阳性神经元对其具有抵抗作用。NO可能参与了PD发病机制。     

脑源性神经营养因子对帕金森病大鼠多巴胺能神经元的影响

目的观察脑源性神经营养因子对帕金森病(Parkinson’s disease,PD)大鼠模型黑质多巴胺能神经元的影响。方法选用Wistar种系大白鼠30只,体质量230~250g,随机分3组,通过左侧中脑黑质立体定向注射法,组1为生理盐水对照组(简称对照组)10只,注射相应量(5μL)的生理盐水;组2为注射6-OHDA制作帕金森病模型组(简称6-OHDA组)10只,注射6-OHDA,5μL(2μg/μL);组3为(6-OHDA+BDNF)组,在制成帕金森病模型后再向同侧中脑黑质注射BDNF 5μL(3μg/5μL),连续6d,1次/d。分别观察动物的旋转行为,免疫组化染色方法观察黑质酪氨酸羟化酶(tyrosine hydroxylase,TH)阳性神经元的数量,高效液相法测定纹状体部多巴胺(dopamine,DA)含量的变化。结果单侧黑质内注入6-OHDA制成帕金森病大鼠模型后,6-OHDA组与对照组比较,产生旋转行为,(6-OHDA+BDNF)组在观察旋转行为时,症状明显改善;镜下见TH阳性神经元主要见于对照组的黑质致密部,数量为(42.3±7.56)个/μm2,模型组黑质致密部TH阳性神经元数明显减少为(2.41±1.07)个/μm2,(6-OHDA+BDNF)组黑质致密部TH阳性神经元数为(15.36+3.04)个/μm2;纹状体部多巴胺含量:生理盐水组为(11.4±1.2)μg/g,6-OHDA组(3.6±0.5)μg/g,(6-OHDA+BDNF)组(5.5±0.6)μg/g。结论 BDNF能改善6-OHDA所致的帕金森病大鼠黑质多巴胺能神经元数目的减少;明显抑制6-OHDA引起的纹状体部多巴胺含量降低;并可抑制6-OHDA对黑质多巴胺能神经元的毒性作用。     

偏侧帕金森病大鼠模型的行为,免疫组化和脑微透析的实验研究

评价6-羟多巴胺(6-OHDA)损毁大鼠单侧黑质制备的偏侧帕金森病动物模型。应用6-羟多巴胺损毁SD大鼠单侧黑质制备偏侧PD鼠模型。3周后根据药物诱发试验,TH免疫组化证实模型制作成功。进一步用脑微透析技术结合HPLC-ECD在体检测PD鼠纹状体多巴胺及代谢产物含量。结果:82只大鼠中有36只阿朴吗啡(APO)诱发的旋转次数>7转/min。6-OHDA注射侧黑质DA神经末稍已绝大多数被损毁。6-OHDA损毁侧纹状体多巴胺及代谢产物明显低于健侧(P<0.05,P<0.01)。应用6-OHDA制备的偏侧PD鼠模型是PD研究的理想模型之一。     

立体定向下恒河猴偏侧部分损伤性帕金森病模型的制作

目的　制作一种能保留内侧前脑束 (MFB)内的多巴胺 (DA)神经纤维的偏侧部分损伤性帕金森病(PD)猴模型。方法　以 6 羟多巴 (6 OHDA)溶液对 12只恒河猴右侧黑质致密部行多靶点毁损。术后进行行为学观察、MR、PET、SPECT检查及酪氨酸羟化酶 (TH)的免疫组织化学染色。结果　猴术后符合帕金森病表现。MR示靶点准确位于黑质 ,PET示毁损侧黑质纹状体区代谢减低。TH染色示黑质致密部DA能神经元毁损达 80 %以上 ,而中脑腹侧被盖区和MFB区的DA能神经纤维保留较好。结论　用立体定向注射 6 OHDA毁损一侧黑质致密部的方法可制作出偏侧部分损伤性帕金森病恒河猴模型     

外源性kynurenic acid对大鼠黑质多巴胺能神经元损伤的保护作用研究

目的观察评价预先应用谷氨酸(Glu)受体拮抗剂kynurenic acid(KYNA)对黑质多巴胺(DA)能神经元及神经传导纤维损伤的保护性作用. 方法雌性SD大鼠40只,随机分为4组,每组10只,应用江湾I型C立体定向仪,在单侧黑质致密部及中脑被盖腹侧部, A组注射生理盐水,B组注射KYNA,C组注射KYNA和6-羟基多巴胺(6-OHDA), KYNA先于6-OHDA 30 min, D组注射6-OHDA.注射药物3 d后,进行症状观察,4周后处死大鼠.切片HE染色观察黑质细胞的形态特点,冰冻切片免疫组化特殊染色观察酪氨酸羟化酶(TH)阳性细胞及TH阳性纤维着色情况.结果正常黑质细胞体形较大,富含黑色素颗粒,可见尼氏体.TH着色结果提示B组与A组之间无显著差异,P>0.05.实验组C与A、B、D组比较均有显著性差异,P<0.01.结论外源性Glu受体拮抗剂KYNA通过阻滞Glu受体一定时间阶段内能减轻6-OHDA诱导的黑质DA能神经元毒性损害.     

杏仁核毁损对甲基苯丙胺大鼠刻板行为和额叶皮质多巴胺的影响

目的　探讨立体定向杏仁核毁损对甲基苯丙胺 (methamphetamine ,MAP)大鼠刻板行为和额叶皮质多巴胺 (dopamine ,DA)含量的影响。方法　立体定向射频毁损杏仁核 ,经腹腔注射MAP观察大鼠行为学改变 ,荧光分光光度法测定额叶皮质DA含量。结果　杏仁核毁损组大鼠较假手术组大鼠刻板行为评分显著降低 ;甲基苯丙胺逆耐受持续时间显著缩短 ,潜伏期显著延长。MAP大鼠额叶皮质DA含量显著高于对照组 ;杏仁核毁损组的MAP大鼠额叶皮质DA含量显著低于假毁损组。结论　杏仁核毁损可有效地对抗使用甲基苯丙胺而出现的逆耐受现象 ,对额叶皮质DA增高有明显阻断作用     

Spinal cord dopamine receptor expression and function in mice with 6-OHDA lesion of the A11 nucleus and dietary iron deprivation

It is suggested that dysfunction of the diencephalospinal dopaminergic (DAergic) pathway may cause restless legs syndrome. We examined the mRNA and protein levels as well as DA receptor subtypes function within the lumbar spinal cord of an RLS animal model. C57BL/6 male mice with or without iron deprivation were lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in the bilateral A11 nuclei. Locomotor behaviors were observed. DA concentration, mRNA, and protein levels of D1, D2, and D3 receptors in the lumbar spinal cords were analyzed, and the specific binding of D1, D2, and D3 receptors was determined using [(3)H]SCH23390, [(3)H]Spiperone, and [(3)H]PD128907 radioligands respectively. The behavioral tests showed that the locomotor activities were increased significantly in the mice treated with iron-deficiency (ID) diet and 6-OHDA lesions, which were reversed by the D2/D3 agonist ropinirole. DA in the spinal cord was decreased significantly by 6-OHDA lesioning in A11. D2/D3 mRNA and protein levels as well as their binding capacity in the spinal cord were decreased significantly by 6-OHDA lesions. ID with 6-OHDA lesions produced a synergistic greater decrease of D2 binding. Although ID increased D1 mRNA and protein expression in the spinal cord, it did not significantly change D1 receptor binding. The present study suggests that ID and 6-OHDA lesions in A11 nuclei differentially altered the D1, D2, and D3 receptors expression and binding capacity in the lumbar spinal cord of RLS animal model, which was accompanied by changes in locomotor activities.     

Locomotion is increased in a11-lesioned mice with iron deprivation: a possible animal model for restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurologic condition involving iron and dopamine systems. We sought to create an animal model consistent with RLS based on current understanding of human pathology. We performed bilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioning in the A11 nucleus of C57BL/6 mice and deprived a subset of mice from dietary iron to observe whether these manipulations can increase motor activity. Iron levels in serum, brain, and especially spinal cord were significantly decreased after iron deprivation. Interestingly, 6-OHDA lesioning appeared to further reduce CNS iron stores. Pathologic examination demonstrated a 94% reduction in A11 tyrosine hydroxylase staining cells in mice injected with 6-OHDA but minimal effects on other areas. Locomotor activities were significantly increased in both the mice that were iron deprived and the A11-lesioned mice compared with controls. The combination of iron deprivation and A11 lesions further significantly augmented activity. Additionally, the mice in the combined iron-deprived and lesioned group were more aggressive. The increased activity in A11-lesioned mice with or without iron deprivation was normalized after treatment with the D2/D3 agonist ropinirole, as is seen in human RLS but was worsened by the D1 agonist SKF38393. This model could be consistent with human RLS, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or akathisia.     

Clinical correlates of 6-hydroxydopamine injections into A11 dopaminergic neurons in rats: a possible model for restless legs syndrome.

Pursuant to the clinical suspicion that restless legs syndrome (RLS) may involve dopaminergic diencephalic spinal neurons (A11), we performed stereotaxic bilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions into the A11 nucleus to observe for any behavioral correlates similar to this clinical condition. Pathologic examination demonstrated a 54% reduction in A11 tyrosine hydroxylase staining cells in rats injected with 6-OHDA versus sham treatment. Multiple blindly rated 90-120-minute video epochs demonstrated an increased average number of standing episodes (14.4+/-11.7 versus 7.3+/-5.5 episodes/epoch) and increased total standing time (38.9+/-20.5 versus 25.3+/-12.2 minutes/epoch) but similar total sleep time in four lesioned rats when compared with two sham rats. Treatment of the lesioned rats with intramuscular pramipexole subsequently resulted in fewer standing episodes (4.4+/-3.3 versus 14.4+/-11.7 episodes/epoch) and less total standing time (20.9+/-12.3 versus 38.9+/-20.5 minutes/epoch) when compared with untreated lesioned rats. Despite a large number of observations, the small number of lesioned animals precluded formal statistical analysis. These behaviors are consistent, although not specific, with what would be expected in an animal model of RLS.     

Iron-deficiency and dopaminergic treatment effects on RLS-Like behaviors of an animal model with the brain iron deficiency pattern of the restless legs syndrome

BackgroundBrain iron deficiency (BID), especially for the substantia nigra (SN), without peripheral iron deficiency (ID) has been well documented as a ubiquitous finding for restless legs syndrome (RLS) patients. This close association suggests the biology of RLS BID can produce RLS symptoms. Association, however, cannot establish such a direct relationship. Instead, the BID of RLS could be experimentally produced to determine if it then produces significant RLS-like biological or behavioral features. Forward genetics approach led to identification from the BXD strains the BXD40 females (BXD40f) as a putative animal model for the RLS BID. The BXD40f on an iron-sufficient diet have a lower iron in the VMB (containing the SN) during the active but not inactive period. This was not found for the other BXD strains evaluated. The BXD40f on an ID diet uniquely have even greater reduced VMB but not peripheral iron, matching the RLS BID pathophysiology. A prior report found that the BXD40f on an iron-sufficient diet had an RLS-like behavior of increased activity occurring only in the last part of the active period that was not present in the other strains without the low VMB iron. This increased activity matches the circadian pattern of symptoms in RLS patients with increased urge or drive to move in the last part of the day. This study asks first: if you decrease the VMB iron by an iron deficient diet do the RLS-like behaviors worsen; and second will the dopaminergic treatments effective for RLS also reduce the worsened RLSlike behaviors.MethodsIn sum, 13 BXD40f mice post weaning were randomly assigned for 100 days to either a iron-sufficient diet (n = 6) or an ID diet (N = 7). They were then evaluated for 24-h activity in their home cage using implanted G2 EMitter telemetry device. At 3 h before the end of the active period IP doses were given every other day of either: saline (vehicle only), 12.5 mg levodopa, 25 mg levodopa, 0.5 mg quinpirole, or 1 0.0 mg quinpirole.ResultsThe ID compared to irons-sufficient diet produced earlier onset of the RLS-like behavior matching the earlier onset of symptoms with increasing severity of RLS. The dopaminergic treatments significantly reduced the RLS-like behavior. Added analyses of the RLS-like behaviors as decreased resting times showed similar results to activity increases.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate both that The BXD40f provide a useful animal model of RLS and also strongly support the hypothesis that the biology of RLS BID can produce RLS symptoms.     

Effect of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) co-transplantation with fetal ventral mesencephalic cells (VMC) on functional restoration in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rat model of Parkinson’s disease: neurobehavioral, neurochemical and immunohistochemical studies

Among trophic factors already known, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and other members of its family have potent and specific action on dopaminergic neurons. In the present investigation an attempt has been made to validate the role of GDNF co-transplantation with fetal ventral mesencephalic cells (VMC) on functional viability and restoration using neurobehavioral, neurochemical and immunohistochemical parameters at 6 weeks post-transplantation in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). A significant restoration (P<0.01) in D-amphetamine induced rotations, spontaneous and apomorphine induced locomotor activity in rats co-transplanted with VMC and GDNF was observed as compared to VMC alone transplanted rats. Level of dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) and dopamine D2 (DA-D2) receptors in the caudate putamen (CPu) were significantly (P<0.001) restored in co-transplanted group as compared to VMC transplanted or GDNF administered animals. The functional viability of transplanted VMC was confirmed by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression and quantification of TH-positive cells by image analysis revealed a significant restoration in TH-IR fibers density as well as TH-IR neurons counts in co-transplanted animals over VMC transplanted animals. Results suggest that co-transplantation of VMC and GDNF may be a better approach towards functional restoration in 6-OHDA lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease.     

Blueberry- and spirulina-enriched diets enhance striatal dopamine recovery and induce a rapid, transient microglia activation after injury of the rat nigrostriatal dopamine system

Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in loss of dopamine neurons during brain injury and in neurodegenerative diseases. Diets enriched in foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions may modulate this neuroinflammation. The model of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injected into the dorsal striatum of normal rats, causes a progressive loss of dopamine neurons in the ventral mesencephalon. In this study, we have investigated the inflammatory response following 6-OHDA injected into the striatum of adult rats treated with diet enriched in blueberry or spirulina. One week after the dopamine lesion, a similar size of dopamine degeneration was found in the striatum and in the globus pallidus in all lesioned animals. At 1 week, a significant increase in OX-6- (MHC class II) positive microglia was found in animals fed with blueberry- and spirulina-enriched diets in both the striatum and the globus pallidus. These OX-6-positive cells were located within the area of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) -negativity. At 1 month after the lesion, the number of OX-6-positive cells was reduced in diet-treated animals while a significant increase beyond that observed at 1 week was now present in lesioned control animals. Dopamine recovery as revealed by TH-immunohistochemistry was significantly enhanced at 4 weeks postlesion in the striatum while in the globus pallidus the density of TH-positive nerve fibers was not different from control-fed lesioned animals. In conclusion, enhanced striatal dopamine recovery appeared in animals treated with diet enriched in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and coincided with an early, transient increase in OX-6-positive microglia.     

Left and right 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the medial prefrontal cortex differentially affect voluntary ethanol consumption

Dopaminergic projections to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were unilaterally lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to examine how dopamine (DA) asymmetry in the mPFC influences voluntary ethanol consumption. Differences in nucleus accumbens (NAS) DA neurotransmission have been related to individual differences in locomotor activity and in the rewarding efficacy of ethanol. Therefore, differences in locomotor activity were used to further characterize the effects of unilateral mPFC 6-OHDA lesions on ethanol consumption. Male Long Evans rats were assessed for high versus low levels of spontaneous locomotor activity. DA terminals in the left or right mPFC were unilaterally lesioned with 6-OHDA, resulting in an average DA depletion of 54% and 50%, respectively. After a minimum seven-day recovery period, preference for a 10% ethanol solution vs. water was determined in a 24-h 2-bottle home-cage free-choice paradigm. Left mPFC 6-OHDA lesions increased and right lesions decreased ethanol consumption. These differential effects of left and right lesions were primarily attributable to rats exhibiting low locomotor activity prior to surgery. The present data suggest that right greater than left cortical DA asymmetry in combination with low endogenous NAS DA (predicted by low locomotor activity levels) may increase the vulnerability to abuse ethanol.     

Vitamin D(3) attenuates 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity in rats

Previous reports have demonstrated that exogeneous administration of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) reduces ventral mesencephalic (VM) dopaminergic (DA) neuron damage induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioning in rats. Recent studies have shown that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (D3) enhances endogenous GDNF expression in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of present study was to investigate if administration of D3 in vivo and in vitro would protect against 6-OHDA-induced DA neuron injury. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected daily with D3 or with saline for 8 days and then lesioned unilaterally with 6-OHDA into the medial forebrain bundle. Locomotor activity was measured using automated activity chambers. We found that unilateral 6-OHDA lesioning reduced locomotor activity in saline-pretreated animals. Pretreatment with D3 for 8 days significantly restored locomotor activity in the lesioned animals. All animals were sacrificed for neurochemical analysis 6 weeks after lesioning. We found that 6-OHDA administration significantly reduced dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanilic acid (HVA) levels in the substantia nigra (SN) on the lesioned side in the saline-treated rats. D3 pretreatment protected against 6-OHDA-mediated depletion of DA and its metabolites in SN. Using primary cultures obtained from the VM of rat embryos, we found that 6-OHDA or H(2)O(2) alone caused significant cell death. Pretreatment with D3 (10(-10) M) protected VM neurons against 6-OHDA- or H(2)O(2)-induced cell death in vitro. Taken together, our data indicate that D3 pretreatment attenuates the hypokinesia and DA neuronal toxicity induced by 6-OHDA. Since both H(2)O(2) and 6-OHDA may injure cells via free radical and reactive oxygen species, the neuroprotection seen here may operate via a reversal of such a toxic mechanism.     

Comparison of unilateral and bilateral intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine-induced axon terminal lesions: evidence for interhemispheric functional coupling of the two nigrostriatal pathways

Partial lesions of the nigrostriatal dopamine system can be induced reliably by the intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and are considered to be analogous to the early stages of human Parkinson's disease. Previous studies have established a clear correlation between different doses and placements of the 6-OHDA toxin and the degree of neurodegenerative changes and behavioral impairments. In the present study, the influence of the interdependence between the two nigrostriatal systems in both hemispheres on the effects on sensorimotor behavioral performances after terminal 6-OHDA lesions was investigated. The behavioral effects were correlated to the extent of nigral dopamine neuron cell and striatal tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH)-positive fiber loss. Sprague-Dawley rats receiving unilateral intrastriatal 6-OHDA injections (4 x 5 microg) exhibited a 30-70% reduction in striatal TH-positive fiber density along an anterior-posterior gradient, an 80% loss of nigral dopamine neurons and a mild degree of behavioral impairments as revealed by amphetamine-induced rotational asymmetry, and a reduced performance in the stepping and postural balance tests. When the same amount of toxin was injected twice into both hemispheres (2 x 4 x 5 microg), additional behavioral deficits were observed, consisting of a significant, but temporary, weight loss, a stable reduction in general locomotor activity and explorational behavior, and a long-term deficit in skilled forelimb use. This is interesting in light of the morphological findings, in which uni- and bilaterally lesioned animals did not differ significantly in the extent of TH-immunoreactive fiber and dopamine neuron loss within the nigrostriatal system in each lesioned hemisphere. These results indicate that the interdependent regulation of the two nigrostriatal systems may provide some compensatory support for the function and behavioral performance of the lesioned side via the normal unlesioned side, which is lost in animals with bilateral lesions of the nigrostriatal system. Therefore, this model of uni- and bilateral partial lesions of the nigrostriatal system, as characterized in the present study, may foster further exploration of compensatory functional mechanisms active in the early stages of Parkinson's disease and promote development of novel neuroprotective and restorative strategies.     

Levodopa but not ropinirole induces an internalization of D1 dopamine receptors in parkinsonian rats.

Levodopa therapy in Parkinson's disease is mediated by dopamine receptors and, in a recent study, we showed that a Dl full agonist can induce an internalization of D1 dopamine receptors. The aim of the present study was to determine whether levodopa or a dopamine agonist such as ropinirole can also induce the internalization of D1 dopamine receptors in the striatum of control and hemiparkinsonian rats. The distribution of D1 dopamine receptors was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using a specific antibody. In control animals and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned animals treated with saline, D1 dopamine receptors were localized at the level of the plasma membrane. In contrast, in both lesioned and nonlesioned animals receiving a single dose of levodopa, but not in animals receiving ropinirole, D1 dopamine receptors were internalized in the cytoplasm. This result is likely explained by the fact that ropinirole binds to non-D1 dopamine receptors, whereas levodopa, which increases dopamine levels, indirectly acts on both D1 and D2 receptors. Ropinirole is consequently less likely to desensitize D1 dopamine receptors than levodopa and, thus, to reduce the efficacy of the treatment.