Interferon-γ induces progressive nigrostriatal degeneration and basal ganglia calcification

Nat Neurosci. 2011 Jun;14(6):694-6. doi: 10.1038/nn.2829. Epub 2011 May 15.

Abstract

We found that CNS-directed expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) resulted in basal ganglia calcification, reminiscent of human idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (IBGC), and nigrostriatal degeneration. Our results indicate that IFN-γ mediates age-progressive nigrostriatal degeneration in the absence of exogenous stressors. Further study of this model may provide insight into selective nigrostriatal degeneration in human IBGC and other Parkinson syndromes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Basal Ganglia / metabolism
  • Basal Ganglia / pathology*
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / metabolism
  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / pathology
  • Calcinosis / metabolism*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Nerve Degeneration / metabolism*
  • Substantia Nigra / metabolism
  • Substantia Nigra / pathology*

Substances

  • Interferon-gamma