Intraventricular infusion of epidermal growth factor restores dopaminergic pathway in hemiparkinsonian rats

Mov Disord. 1991;6(4):281-7. doi: 10.1002/mds.870060403.

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

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Corpus Striatum / drug effects
  • Corpus Striatum / physiopathology
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / administration & dosage*
  • ErbB Receptors / drug effects*
  • ErbB Receptors / physiology*
  • Hemiplegia / physiopathology*
  • Hemiplegia / therapy*
  • Male
  • Medial Forebrain Bundle / drug effects
  • Medial Forebrain Bundle / physiopathology
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Motor Activity / physiology
  • Nerve Regeneration / drug effects*
  • Nerve Regeneration / physiology*
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / physiopathology*
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / therapy*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, Dopamine / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Dopamine / physiology*
  • Stereotyped Behavior / drug effects
  • Stereotyped Behavior / physiology
  • Substantia Nigra / drug effects
  • Substantia Nigra / physiopathology
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / physiology

Substances

  • Receptors, Dopamine
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase
  • ErbB Receptors