LIGA-20 INCREASES STRIATAL DOPAMINE LEVELS IN AGED MPTP-TREATED MICE REFRACTORY TO GM1 GANGLIOSIDE TREATMENT

ADMINISTRATION of the dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to aged (12 months) C57 black mice results in a striatal dopamine depletion that can be partially reversed only by long-term (i.e. 8 weeks) intraperitoneal administration of GM1 gang lioside. The present study shows that the semi-synthetic sphingolipid LIGA 20 dihydroxy-2-dichloro-acetrylamide-4-transoctadene) can partial ly reverse MPTP-induced striatal dopamine depletions in aged mice afte r being administered orally for only 4 weeks. GM1 ganglioside administ ered for 4 weeks had no effect on striatal dopamine levels. These resu lts suggest that LIGA 20 is more potent than the parent GM1 gangliosid e and may exert effects on the damaged nervous system under conditions in which GM1 is ineffective.