Abstract
We assessed the effect of a 35-day delayed intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the survival and function of the substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic neurons after a unilateral mechanical transection of rat nigrostriatal pathway. EGF infusion for 28 days resulted in a twofold increase in the number of surviving tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH)-positive SN neurons and a significant increase in ipsilateral striatal TH-positive fiber staining compared to controls at 200 days following the injury. In addition, there was a persistent enhancement of behavioral recovery, as indicated by a reduction in amphetamine-induced rotations. We conclude that EGF exerts a neurotrophic effect on the dopaminergic neurons in this experimental model of parkinsonism.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Corpus Striatum / drug effects
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Corpus Striatum / physiopathology
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Epidermal Growth Factor / administration & dosage*
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ErbB Receptors / drug effects*
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ErbB Receptors / physiology*
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Hemiplegia / physiopathology*
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Hemiplegia / therapy*
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Male
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Medial Forebrain Bundle / drug effects
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Medial Forebrain Bundle / physiopathology
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Motor Activity / drug effects
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Motor Activity / physiology
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Nerve Regeneration / drug effects*
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Nerve Regeneration / physiology*
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Parkinson Disease, Secondary / physiopathology*
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Parkinson Disease, Secondary / therapy*
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Rats
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Rats, Inbred Strains
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Receptors, Dopamine / drug effects*
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Receptors, Dopamine / physiology*
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Stereotyped Behavior / drug effects
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Stereotyped Behavior / physiology
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Substantia Nigra / drug effects
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Substantia Nigra / physiopathology
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Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / physiology
Substances
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Receptors, Dopamine
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Epidermal Growth Factor
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Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase
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ErbB Receptors