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| Functional recovery in parkinsonian monkeys treated with GDNF |
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| Author(s): Gash DM, Zhang ZM, Ovadia A, Cass WA, Yi A, Simmerman L, Russell D, Martin D, Lapchak PA, Collins F, Hoffer BJ, Gerhardt GA |
| Source: NATURE Volume: 380 Issue: 6571 Pages: 252-255 Published: MAR 21 1996 |
| Times Cited: 536 References: 22 |
| Abstract: PARKINSON's disease results from the progressive degeneration of dopamine neurons that innervate the striatum(1,2). In rodents, glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) stimulates an increase in midbrain dopamine levels, protects dopamine neurons from some neurotoxins, and maintains injured dopamine neurons(3-9). Here we extend the rodent studies to an animal closer to the human in brain organization and function, by evaluating the effects of GDNF injected intracerebrally into rhesus monkeys that have had the symptomatology and pathophysiological features of Parkinson's disease induced by the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)(10-14). The recipients of GDNF displayed significant improvements in three of the cardinal symptoms of parkinsonism: bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability. GDNF administered every four weeks maintained functional recovery. On the lesioned side of GDNF-treated animals, dopamine levels in the midbrain and globus pallidus were twice as high, and nigral dopamine neurons were, on average, 20% larger, with an increased fibre density. The results indicate that GDNF may be of benefit in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. |
| Document Type: Article |
| Language: English |
| Reprint Address: Gash, DM (reprint author), UNIV KENTUCKY, COLL MED, DEPT ANAT & NEUROBIOL, LEXINGTON, KY 40536 USA |
Addresses:
1. AMGEN INC, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320 USA
2. UNIV COLORADO, HLTH SCI CTR, DEPT PHARMACOL, NEUROSCI TRAINING PROGRAM, DENVER, CO 80262 USA
3. UNIV COLORADO, HLTH SCI CTR, DEPT PSYCHIAT, NEUROSCI TRAINING PROGRAM, DENVER, CO 80262 USA
4. UNIV COLORADO, HLTH SCI CTR, ROCKY MT CTR SENSOR TECHNOL, DENVER, CO 80262 USA |
| Publisher: MACMILLAN MAGAZINES LTD, 4 LITTLE ESSEX STREET, LONDON, ENGLAND WC2R 3LF |
| Subject Category: Multidisciplinary Sciences |
| IDS Number: UB117 |
| ISSN: 0028-0836 |
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