Transient increase of brain derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression insubstantia nigra reticulata after partial lesion of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway

By using non-isostopic in situ hybridization we have demonstrated a transie nt increase of BDNF mRNA in the lateral subregion of the substantia nigra p ars reticulata 1 week after intrastriatal application of 6-OH-DA. These cha nges correlate with a partial reduction of dopamine (DA) content in the str iatum but with a normal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in substantia nigra pars compacta. Our data suggest that non-DA, BDNF expressing cells i n substantia nigra pars reticulata may play a role in neuronal protection a fter partial lesions of the DA nigrostriatal pathway. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.