Nitrated alpha-synuclein induces the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, as well as the formation of intraneuronal inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in the substantia nigra. Accumulations of nitrated alpha-synuclein are demonstrated in the signature inclusions of Parkinson's disease. However, whether the nitration of alpha-synuclein is relevant to the pathogenesis of PD is unknown.

Methodology/principal findings

In this study, effect of nitrated alpha-synuclein to dopaminergic (DA) neurons was determined by delivering nitrated recombinant TAT-alpha-synuclein intracellular. We provide evidence to show that the nitrated alpha-synuclein was toxic to cultured dopaminergic SHSY-5Y neurons and primary mese

SUBMITTER: Yu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2851648 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature