GM1 ganglioside-induced recovery of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons after MPTP: an immunohistochemical study |
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Authors: | M Hadjiconstantinou A P Mariani N H Neff |
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Institution: | Department of Pharmacology, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus 43210. |
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Abstract: | The administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to mice results in the loss of dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) from the mouse striatum and a loss of cells containing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactivity from the substantia nigra. The cells that remained in the nigra after MPTP treatment were smaller in diameter than normal cells. Treatment with GM1 ganglioside beginning 24 h after establishing the MPTP lesion resulted in partial restoration of DA and DOPAC content in the striatum and an increase in the diameter of the TH-immunoreactive nigra cells. It appears, therefore, that treatment of MPTP-intoxicated mice with GM1 ganglioside results in the partial restoration of both the biochemistry and morphology of dopaminergic neurons. |
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