Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is found in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of human CNS neurons

There is evidence that inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) may be therapeutically useful in neurodegenerative diseases. Using immunocytoc hemistry, we have investigated the distribution of PARP in the human CNS. S ome neuronal groups showed cytoplasmic staining in addition to the expected staining of nuclei. Considerable variation between different neuronal grou ps was noted: motor neurons in the spinal cord showed greatest cytoplasmic staining, whereas staining was virtually absent in other neurons, notably i n the hippocampus. These results indicate that PARP can be associated with sub-cellular components other than the nucleus, and may indicate additional roles for this enzyme. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.