MICROGLIAL REACTION IN MPTP (1-METHYL-4-PHENYL-1,2,3,6-TETRAHYDROPYRIDINE) INDUCED PARKINSONS-DISEASE MICE MODEL

We studied the microglial reaction in mice using the 1-methyl-4-phenyl -1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced model for Parkinson's disea se (PD). Microglial cells were identified by means of the Griffonia si mplicifolia lectin (GSA-I-B-4). Dopaminergic neurons were marked by ty rosine hydroxylase antibodies. Microglial activation was demonstrated by an increase in cellular number and changes of morphology (increased lectin staining, larger cell bodies and thicker processes) were seen in the substantia nigra from the 1st to the 14th day and in the striat um from the 1st to the 4th day after intoxication. Depletion of dopami nergic neurons was most pronounced 7 and 14 days following the treatme nt. The results suggest that microglial activation may be involved in the sequence of pathological changes that lead to dopaminergic neurona l damage after MPTP intoxication. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited.