MPTP处理的SAMP8小鼠黑质纹状体损伤中血红素加氧酶-1的表达变化

目的:研究1-甲基-4-苯基-1、2、3、6-四氢吡啶(MPTP)诱导6月龄快速老化小鼠(SAMP8)黑质纹状体急性损伤,以及血红素加氧酶-1(HO-1)的表达变化,探讨其与MPTP导致的SAMP8小鼠黑质纹状体系统损害的关系.方法:给6月龄健康雄性SAMP8小鼠背部皮下注射MPTP 20mg/(kg·次),连续注射4次,每次间隔2h;对照组注射等量生理盐水.在注射后6h、24h、3d和8d处死小鼠留取脑组织标本,用免疫组织化学技术检测小鼠黑质、纹状体的酪氨酸羟化酶(TH)和HO-1,以计数黑质多巴胺能神经元数量及其投射纤维的改变,及HO-1阳性细胞的变化;用Western blot方法检测TH和HO-1蛋白表达的变化.结果:MPTP致6月龄SAMP8小鼠各时间点TH阳性神经元分别减少14.23％(P＜0.05),23.85％ (P＜0.01),36.77％ (P ＜0.01),45.9％(P＜O.01),24 h与3d比较有显著性差异(P＜0.05),神经元的丢失以24 h至3d最为显著;MPTP组随时间延长纹状体区酪氨酸羟化酶免疫反应阳性染色逐渐变浅淡,不均匀,于注射后24h明显,第8天最为浅淡;同时TH蛋白表达具有相同变化.但仅在注射后3d小鼠纹状体区见到大量HO-1阳性细胞,同时HO-1蛋白表达增高,具有统计学意义,其余各时间点及对照组未见HO-1阳性细胞.中脑区HO-1阳性细胞及蛋白表达在各时间点均未见显著变化.结论:MPTP导致6月龄SAMP8小鼠黑质纹状体系统急性损伤,产生多巴胺能神经元数量减少及蛋白表达降低;其黑质纹状体HO-1的高表达是一过性短暂的,它在PD中的作用是有限的.     

尼古丁抑制脂多糖诱导的原代多巴胺能神经元变性及相关机制

目的: 观察尼古丁对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的胎鼠中脑小胶质细胞激活的影响及对其白介素6(IL-6)分泌的影响,以探讨尼古丁对中脑多巴胺(DA)能神经元的保护机制.方法: 取孕14d SD大鼠,胎鼠中脑腹侧区组织,混合培养中脑神经元-胶质细胞,Elisa检测细胞不同时间点分泌IL-6的水平;免疫细胞化学术检测小胶质细胞特异的钙结合蛋白(Iba1)和标记DA能细胞的酪氨酸羟化酶(TH)的阳性细胞数.结果: 经LPS激活的小胶质细胞胞体增大,活化标记物Ibal表达上调;DA能细胞的数目减少,突起受损.Elisa方法测定显示10ng/ml LPS致小胶质细胞在8、24和72h分泌IL-6的量均增高;在尼古丁(100μmol/L)预处理组,小胶质细胞的激活被抑制,TH免疫阳性的多巴胺能神经元的数量增加,LPS+尼古丁组分泌IL-6的量减少,在不同时间点(8、24和72h)与LPS组比较差异均有统计学意义.结论: 尼古丁可抑制小胶质细胞的激活,保护多巴胺能神经元,抑制小胶质细胞炎性因子的释放可能是其主要保护机制.     

MPTP对小鼠中脑α-突触核蛋白线粒体表达和线粒体形态改变的影响

目的:观察MPTP对中脑黑质神经元线粒体表达α-突触核蛋白及线粒体形态改变的影响。方法:运用腹腔注射MPTP诱导C57/BL小鼠中脑黑质神经元损伤,以生理盐水腹腔注射小鼠作为对照组。运用线粒体纯化结合Western Blot分析线粒体α-突触核蛋白的水平,运用免疫组织化学标记结合激光共聚焦方法观察线粒体结构的改变。运用MPP+干预原代培养的多巴胺能神经元,观察线粒体形态的改变。结果:MPTP可以诱导小鼠中脑线粒体α-突触核蛋白的水平升高,并导致线粒体出现碎片化,碎片化的线粒体结构与α-突触核蛋白共定位。运用MPP+处理原代培养的中脑腹侧神经元,发现MPP+可以选择性地诱导多巴胺能神经元的线粒体碎片化。定量研究显示:多巴胺能神经元经MPP+处理后,线粒体的长度显著降低(P0.01)。结论:MPTP可以在体诱导多巴胺能神经元的线粒体碎片化,线粒体α-突触核蛋白水平的升高可能与其碎片化密切相关。     

尼古丁对PD大鼠黑质多巴胺能神经元变性的影响

目的 探讨尼古丁对帕金森病(PD)大鼠黑质多巴胺能神经元变性的影响及其机制. 方法 45只大鼠随机分为PBS对照组(CON)、生理盐水+ 脂多糖(NS)组、尼古丁+脂多糖(NIC)组,每组15只.黑质内立体定向注射脂多糖(LPS)或PBS后24h,免疫印迹法检测黑质诱导性一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)蛋白表达变化;黑质注射药物后14d,采用免疫组织化学法观察大鼠黑质酪氨酸羟化酶(TH)阳性神经元数量及OX-42阳性细胞形态学变化,RT-PCR及免疫印迹检测黑质TH mRNA及TH蛋白的表达水平. 结果 与CON组相比,NS组大鼠黑质iNOS表达明显增多,TH阳性神经元、TH mRNA及TH蛋白明显减少,小胶质细胞大多呈胞体大突起短粗的形态;NIC组黑质iNOS表达明显少于NS组,黑质TH阳性神经元、TH mRNA及TH蛋白表达较NS组明显增多,大部分小胶质细胞呈胞体小,突起细长的形态. 结论 尼古丁可以减轻LPS介导的多巴胺能神经元变性,对多巴胺能神经元有保护作用,其保护机制与抑制小胶质细胞激活、减少iNOS的表达有关.     

Genistein对体外培养的Parkinson病模型大鼠多巴胺能神经元及突触素的影响

为了探讨genistein(GST)对离体培养的Parkinson病模型大鼠多巴胺能神经元以及突触素的影响,取孕14~16d SD大鼠胚胎中脑腹侧部,常规体外培养。将培养的中脑腹侧细胞分为四组:正常对照组、雌二醇(E2)+MPP+组、GST+MPP+组、MPP+组。进行四甲基偶氮唑盐(MTT)法测定细胞活力和代谢状态。采用TH和突触素(synaptophysin,SYN)免疫荧光组织化学染色技术,观察各组TH阳性神经元的生长状况以及突触数量的变化。结果显示:与正常对照组、E2+MPP+组以及GST+MPP+组相比,MPP+组TH阳性神经元数量少,SYN免疫活性产物表达亦减少,细胞活力差。而E2+MPP+组、GST+MPP+组中上述指标与正常对照组相比,差异无统计学意义。以上结果提示Genistein对体外培养的多巴胺能神经元具有类似雌激素样的神经保护作用。     

Genistein对体外培养的大鼠多巴胺能神经元的保护作用

为了探讨genistein(GST)对离体培养的Parkinson模型多巴胺能神经元的保护作用,本实验取孕14～16 d的SD大鼠胚胎中脑腹侧,常规体外培养。将培养细胞分为四组:正常对照组、E2+MPP+组、GST+MPP+组、MPP+组。用免疫细胞化学染色法观察培养物中TH阳性神经元的生长状况、观察神经元中微管相关蛋白-2(MAP-2)的染色情况。通过突触素(SYN)免疫荧光染色,观察各实验组突触数量的变化。结果显示:与正常对照组、E2+MPP+组以及GST+MPP+组相比,MPP+组TH阳性神经元数量少,SYN免疫阳性产物表达亦减少(P<0.05);MAP-2阳性染色的平均灰度减少约40%左右。而E2+MPP+组、GST+MPP+组中上述指标与正常对照组相比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。本研究结果表明genistein对体外培养的多巴胺能神经元具有类似雌激素样的神经保护作用。     

小鼠脊髓损伤后Nogo-A的免疫组织化学研究

目的研究小鼠脊髓损伤后Nogo-A的表达情况。方法 C57小鼠分为脊髓损伤组、假手术组和正常对照组,每组均在损伤后不同时间点（损伤后1 h,12 h,24 h）取材,然后行Nogo-A免疫组织化学染色。结果 Nogo-A明显表达于神经元胞体及其突起形成的神经纤维。随着损伤后存活时间的延长,Nogo-A阳性细胞数量和免疫反应强度均逐渐升高。结论脊髓损伤后24 h内Nogo-A在神经元的表达逐渐升高,导致神经再生困难。     

SHH信号通路的激活对帕金森病模型小鼠的保护及其机制

目的:为探讨Sonic Hedgehog(Shh)信号通路激活剂,2,6,9-三取代嘌呤化合物(purmorphamine,PM)对帕金森病(Parkinson’s disease,PD)模型动物中小鼠身体的协调能力、多巴胺能神经元及小胶质细胞细胞活性的影响及可能机制。方法:将47只C57BL/6J雄性8周小鼠随机分为control组、PM组、MPTP组、PM+MPTP组,使用腹腔注射1-methyl-4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tet-rahydropyridine(MPTP)制作小鼠的帕金森病模型。应用悬杆实验、免疫组织化学和实时荧光定量PCR(real-time quantitative PCR,Q-PCR)技术分别检测小鼠的运动协调能力,酪氨酸羟化酶(tyrosine hydroxylase,TH)阳性的多巴胺(DA)能神经元的形态、数目,Ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)阳性的小胶质细胞的形态以及炎症因子TNF-α的表达情况。结果:(1)悬杆实验显示:在预处理PM 24 h后MPTP诱导的PD模型小鼠中,与MPTP组相比,PM+MPTP组小鼠后爪抓到横杆的时间明显缩短(P0.01);而与control组相比,MPTP组中小鼠后爪抓到横杆的时间显著延长(P0.01)。(2)TH免疫组织化学结果显示:control组TH+DA能神经元染色很深,胞体密集,突起明显;与control组相比,MPTP组TH+DA能神经元的数量明显减少,细胞质着色变浅,突起变短或者消失(P0.01);与MPTP组相比,PM+MPTP组TH+DA能神经元不仅使损失细胞的数目明显减少,而且细胞质染色变深,突起有所增多(P0.01)。(3)Iba1免疫组织化学染色显示:与control相比,MPTP组小胶质细胞变大、形态不规则、突起变粗;与MPTP组相比,PM+MPTP组小胶质细的胞体形态较小,突起呈现细长较多。(4)Q-PCR检测结果显示:与control组相比,MPTP组TNF-α和Iba1mRNA表达明显增加(P0.01);与MPTP组对比,PM+MPTP组表达的TNF-α和Iba1 mRNA水平明显降低(P0.01)。结论:PM可改善PD模型小鼠的运动协调能力,保护多巴胺能神经元,其机制可能与降低小胶质细胞的炎症水平有关。     

影响大鼠胚胎多巴胺能神经元原代培养因素的研究

目的　试图通过方法改进获得高纯度原代多巴胺能神经元 ,并研究 Matrigel及多聚左旋赖氨酸(poly- l- lysine,PL L )等不同基质对于大鼠胚胎 13d中脑黑质神经元突起生长的不同作用。　方法　无菌技术取得孕 13d SD大鼠胚胎 ,采用改进的取材方法 ,得到胎鼠腹侧中脑细胞 ,以较高密度 (1× 10 5 / cm2 )分别种入由 Matrigel及 PL L作为基质的塑料培养皿中。体外培养 5 d后 ,对培养物进行 TH免疫细胞化学染色 ,测量 TH免疫反应突起的长度并计算 TH免疫反应神经元占细胞总数的比例。　结果和结论　 1.采用改进的方法 ,能够得到高纯度的多巴胺能神经元 (多巴胺神经元占培养细胞总数的比例为 15 % ) ;2 .与 PL L相比 ,Matrigel能有效地促进多巴胺能神经元突起的生长 ,但不能特异地促进中脑培养细胞的存活     

β-淀粉样蛋白和drebrin在培养的APP/PS1转基因小鼠神经元中的表达

目的: 探讨阿尔茨海默病(AD)脑内β-淀粉样蛋白(Aβ)积聚与树突棘蛋白drebrin表达变化之间的关系.方法: 采用免疫细胞化学、ELISA和免疫印迹法等方法检测大脑皮层原代培养的APP/PS1转基因小鼠的神经元和同种野生型(WT)小鼠的神经元Aβ和drebrin的表达.结果: 培养至12d (days in vitro)时,可见Aβ在APP/PS1神经元胞体内聚集,培养基内的Aβ水平也同时升高;此期神经元内drebrin斑点状免疫反应产物分布较为稀疏,drebrin的表达水平下降.18d时,Aβ在胞体内聚集的基础上,向突起内延伸,培养基内的Aβ水平进一步升高;drebrin的表达则明显下降.结论: 原代培养的APP/PS1小鼠神经元内Aβ积聚的同时,树突棘蛋白drebrin的表达下降.提示AD脑内Aβ积聚可能是影响树突棘蛋白drebrin表达的因素之一.     

Survivin在MPP~+诱导的SH-SY5Y细胞凋亡过程中的作用

目的探讨存活素(Survivin)能否抑制(1-甲基-4-苯基-吡啶离子(1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium,MPP~+)诱导的神经元(SH-SY5Y细胞)的凋亡过程。方法运用1 mmol/L MPP~+处理SH-SY5Y细胞,诱导其发生凋亡,建立帕金森病的细胞模型,采用不同浓度的Survivin进行预处理,使用倒置显微镜观察细胞形态,采用MTT法、Real-time PCR、Western blot检测相关指标,进而评价Survivin对SH-SY5Y凋亡的作用。结果 1 mmol/L MPP~+作用24 h可诱导SH-SY5Y的凋亡,显著降低细胞存活率(F=13.32,P=0.000)。MPP~+作用前,预先经Survivin处理2 h的SH-SY5Y细胞的存活率显著提高(F=13.32,P=0.000,P=0.000,P=0.000),并呈剂量依赖性关系。Real-time PCR结果显示Survivin能够显著抑制SH-SY5Y细胞中凋亡蛋白Caspase 3和Caspase 9的表达水平(F=61.57,P=0.000,P=0.000,P=0.000;F=54.26,P=0.001,P=0.000,P=0.000);Western blot结果亦显示Survivin能够显著抑制SH-SY5Y细胞中凋亡蛋白Caspase 3和Caspase 9的表达水平。结论 Survivin能够剂量依赖性地抑制MPP~+诱导的SH-SY5Y细胞凋亡,其机制可能与阻断Caspase信号通路相关。     

类叶升麻苷通过诱导血红素加氧酶-1的表达抑制MPP+诱导的PC12细胞损伤

目的 探讨类叶升麻苷(AS)是否在PC12细胞中诱导血红素加氧酶-1(HO-1)的表达进而抑制1-甲基-4-苯基吡啶(MPP+)诱导的神经毒性损伤.方法 类叶升麻苷(1、20和30 μmol/L)处理PC12细胞12 h,利用反转录PCR(RT-PCR)检测HO-1 mRNA表达、Western blot方法和免疫荧光方法检测HO-1蛋白的表达.1mmol/L MPP+单独或与AS处理细胞,或HO-1抑制剂锌原卟啉(ZnPP)预处理细胞1h,MTT法检测细胞活力.结果 与正常对照组相比,AS可在PC12细胞中诱导HO-1 mRNA和蛋白的表达,AS诱导的HO-1表达主要集中在胞浆内.HO-1抑制剂ZnPP减弱AS对MPP+诱导损伤的抑制作用.结论 AS可在PC12细胞中诱导HO-1的表达,可能参与AS对MPP+诱导损伤的抑制作用.     

Kein Parkinsonsyndrom nach akuter Paraquatintoxikation

Summary Paraquat structurally resembles N-methyl-4-phenyltetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and its metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP +). MPTP and MPP+ are neurotoxic chemicals, which induce in exposed humans and in animal-models a Parkinson's disease. A high correlation between the incidence of Parkinson's disease and herbicide use in Canada led to the assumption that paraquat could give rise to parkinsonism. We have therefore carried out a follow-up study with patients having had dermal contact with paraquat or having swallowed paraquat accidentally or in a suicidal attempt. 7 patients took part in the study. Three of them had dermal contact. One had ingested paraquat by accident and three were survivors from suicidal paraquat intake. It was possible to exclude parkinsonism in all patients. One patient exhibited tardive dykinesia most likely due to a long term therapy with neuroleptic drugs.

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Abkürzungsverzeichnis MPTP N-Methyl-4-phenyltetrahydropyridin - MPP+ 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridin - ZNS Zentrales Nervensystem     

Modulation of SIRT1 expression in different neurodegenerative models and human pathologies

We examined the expression of SIRT1 in several experimental paradigms of human pathologies. We used a neuroblastoma cell line (B65), neuronal primary cultures (hippocampus and cerebellar granule cells) and in vivo approaches in rat and senescence murine models (SAM). Cell cultures and rats were treated with several well-know neurotoxins, i.e. rotenone, MPP(+), kainate and 3-nitropropionic acid. Subsequently, SIRT1 expression was compared in these different paradigms of neurotoxicity. The pattern of expression of SIRT1 in proliferating cell cultures (B65) was different to that in quiescent cell cultures. In the murine model of senescence (senescence-accelerated mice prone, SAMP8), SIRT1 expression progressively decreased, while in the control strain (senescence-accelerated mice resistant, SAMR1) it increased. Finally, we studied human samples of Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Huntington's diseases (HD). SIRT1 expression decreased dramatically in HD, but there were no significant changes in Parkinson-related illnesses. In conclusion, SIRT1 expression may be a good sensor of toxic neuronal processes.     

Comparative analysis of the effects of resveratrol in two apoptotic models: inhibition of complex I and potassium deprivation in cerebellar neurons

The mechanism involved in neuronal apoptosis is largely unknown. Studies performed on neuronal cell cultures provide information about the pathways which orchestrate the process of neuronal loss and potential drugs for the treatment of neurological disorders. In the present study we select resveratrol, a natural antioxidant, as a potential drug for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. We evaluate the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol in two apoptotic models in rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs): the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I using 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) (an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease) and serum potassium withdrawal. We study the role of the mammalian silent information regulator 2 (SIRT1) in the process of neuroprotection mediated by resveratrol. Because recent studies have demonstrated that SIRT1 is involved in cell survival and has antiaging properties, we also measured changes in the expression of this protein after the addition of these two apoptotic stimuli. MPP(+)--induced loss of cell viability and apoptosis in CGNs was prevented by the addition of RESV (1 microM to 100 microM). However, the neuroprotective effects were not mediated by the activation of SIRT1, since sirtinol-an inhibitor of this enzyme--did not attenuate them. Furthermore MPP(+) decreases the protein expression of SIRT1. RESV did not prevent serum potassium withdrawal-induced apoptosis although it did completely attenuate oxidative stress production by these apoptotic stimuli. Furthermore, serum potassium withdrawal increases the expression of SIRT1. Our results indicate that the antiapoptotic effects of RESV in MPP(+) are independent of the stimulation of SIRT1 and depend on its antioxidant properties. Furthermore, because SIRT1 is involved in neuronal survival depending on the apoptotic stimuli, changes in the expression of SIRT1 could be involved in the regulation of the apoptotic route.     

肺炎支原体肺炎与细菌性肺炎患儿心肌酶变化比较的意义

目的观察肺炎支原体肺炎（MPP）患儿血清心肌酶值的变化，与普通细菌性肺炎患儿心肌酶值变化水平进行比较，探讨其对心肌损害的影响程度，为心肌损害的早期诊断及治疗提供依据。方法选取普通细菌感染及肺炎支原体感染肺炎患儿各100名，进行急性期血清心肌酶值测定，与100名正常体检儿童进行对比并进行相互比较。结果肺炎急性期MP感染组与非MP感染组AST、LDH、CK—MB均明显高于正常对照组（P〈0．05），两组对比MP感染组心肌酶升高程度明显高于非支原体感染组，AST、LDH、CK—MB在两组间存在显著差异（P〈0．05）。结论细菌性肺炎与肺炎支原体肺炎急性期均有不同程度的心肌细胞损害，其中MP感染患儿血清心肌酶水平明显高于非MP感染患儿，提示MP肺炎患儿有明显心肌损害且心肌损害程度要重于非MP肺炎患儿。     

红景天苷对MPP+诱导的PC12细胞凋亡的保护作用

目的:探讨红景天苷对MPP+诱导的PC12细胞凋亡是否具有保护作用.方法:采用MPP+诱导的具有多巴胺能神经元特性的PC12细胞凋亡作为PD的体外模型.实验分对照组、 500 μmoL/L MPP+诱导组、红景天苷(10、 50、 100 μmol/L)3个浓度预处理组.用MTT法测定细胞活性, 流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡, TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡断裂的DNA片段.结果:10、 50、 100 μmoL/L红景天苷对MPP+诱导的PC12细胞具有一定的保护作用.与MPP+组(50.2±1.8)%相比, 10、 50、 100 μmoL/L红景天苷预处理细胞活力分别上升为(65.1±1.0)%、 (69.5±2.3)%、 (80.9±2.0)%(P<0.05).流式细胞术检测提示正常组、 MPP+组、红景天苷预处理组(10、 50、 100 μmoL/L)凋亡百分率分别为0.9%、 34.5%、 26.9%、 20.1%、 14.2%.经红景天苷预处理后, 与MPP+组相比较细胞断裂的DNA片段明显减少.结论:红景天苷对MPP+诱导的细胞凋亡具有浓度依赖性的保护作用.     

牛膝多肽对体外培养的MPP~+诱导的大鼠多巴胺能神经元凋亡的保护作用

目的:观察牛膝多肽(achyranthes bidentatapolypeptides,ABPP)对MPP~+(1-甲基-4-苯基-吡啶离子)损伤多巴胺能神经元的保护作用。方法:原代培养大鼠胚胎中脑多巴胺能神经元,与浓度50 ng/ml的ABPP或50ng/ml神经生长因子(NGF)共同孵育6 h,加入20μmol/L MPP~+损伤多巴胺能神经元12 h。使用四甲基偶氮唑盐(methyl thiaaolyl terazolium salt color imetry,MTT)比色法测定细胞活力;采用末端标记技术(Td T-mediated d UTP Nick-End Labeling,TUNEL)检测细胞凋亡;流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡;Western Blot检测细胞凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2和Bax的表达水平。结果:ABPP或NGF预处理6 h可增强多巴胺能神经元的细胞活力,抑制MPP~+损伤后多巴胺能神经元的凋亡,上调Bcl-2/Bax蛋白的表达水平。ABPP对大鼠多巴胺能神经元的保护作用优于NGF。结论:与NGF相比,ABPP发挥了更好的拮抗MPP~+对多巴胺能神经元损伤的作用,其机制可能与上调Bcl-2/Bax蛋白的表达水平相关。     

Intrastriatal infusion of the Parkinsonian neurotoxin, MPP(+), induces damage of striatal cell nuclei in Sprague-Dawley rats

The potent Parkinsonian neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine is known to destroy dopaminergic neurons of the basal ganglia. Its neurotoxically active metabolite, 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium (MPP⁺), has been examined in the present study to verify whether administration of the neurotoxin that depletes about 70% of the striatal dopamine (DA) can cause damage to nuclear components of the cells at the terminal region, the striatum. Unilateral intrastriatal infusion of MPP⁺ (100 and 200 nmol in 4 μl saline) caused a dose-dependent depletion of striatal DA (69 and 92%, respectively), as measured employing HPLC electrochemistry. It also resulted in the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the striatum and in the perikarya at substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and acetylcholinesterase histoenzymological staining in the striatum. Specific nuclear staining employing Hoechst 33342 and acridine orange revealed distorted and spindle shaped nuclei, and perinuclear positioning of nucleolus, respectively, for the former and latter dyes in several of the cell populations in the ipsilateral striatum compared to the contralateral side. Existence of a widened lateral ventricle at the side that received the neurotoxin, as well as denser cellular population, as compared to the contralateral side under transmission electron microscope evidenced general shrinkage of the striatum. Extensive damage of the nuclei was visible in the cell bodies in the treated side. These results demonstrate non-specific damage extending to the cellular groups including cholinergic neurons in addition to dopaminergic neurons in the striatum to intrastriatal administration of the Parkinsonian neurotoxin, MPP⁺.