Neurodegeneration in the centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus contributes to the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease in the rat.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The neuropathological background of major depression and anxiety as non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease is much less understood than classical motor symptoms. Although, neurodegeneration of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in human Parkinson's disease is a known phenomenon, its possible significance in mood status has never been elucidated. In this work we aimed at investigating whether neuron loss and alpha-synuclein accumulation in the urocortin 1 containing (UCN1) cells of the centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal (EWcp) nucleus is associated with anxiety and depression-like state in the rat.

Methods

Systemic chronic rotenone administration as well as targeted leptin-saporin-induced lesions of EWcp/UCN1 neurons were conducted. Rotarod, open field and sucrose

SUBMITTER: Ujvari B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8809039 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature