TRAUMA-INDUCED STRIATAL CNTF AND BDNF MESSENGER-RNA IN HEMIPARKINSONIAN RATS

SURGICAL implantation of tissues into the brain causes trauma to the r egion receiving the graft. This study shows that real or simulated str iatal trauma in hemiparkinsonian rats leads to increased expression of two trophic factor mRNAs: ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and brai n-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The baseline expression of BDNF mRNA was also markedly lower in dopamine-depleted striatum than in nor mal striatum in non-traumatized (control) hemiparkinsonian rats. Stria tal CNTF message was relatively symmetrical in the non-traumatized (co ntrol) hemiparkinsonian rats. Host production of these and other troph ic factors may play important roles in the response to tissue grafting , to enhance graft survival and as a stimulus to regenerative collater al axonal sprouting.