Abstract
Growth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF5), a novel member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily, promotes the survival of dopaminergic neurones in vitro. We present here the first evidence for a neuroprotective action of GDF5 in vivo. We investigated the effects of intracerebral administration of GDF5 on a rat model of Parkinson's disease. GDF5 was administered just above the substantia nigra and into the lateral ventricle immediately before ipsilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the medial forebrain bundle. GDF5 prevented the development of amphetamine- induced rotations and preserved the integrity of striatal dopaminergic nerve terminals as measured by position emission tomography. Post-mortem studies showed that GDF5 spared dopamine levels in the stricture and tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurones in the midbrain. This study suggests that GDF5 has potential for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 73-76 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Neuroscience Letters |
| Volume | 233 |
| Issue number | 2-3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 19 Sep 1997 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- 6- Hydroxydopamine
- Dopamine
- Growth/differentiation factor 5
- Neuroprotection
- Nigrostriatal lesion
- Parkinson's disease
- Positron emission tomography