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Neuroprotective effects of α-dihydroergocryptine against damages in the substantia nigra caused by severe treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,3,3,6-tetrahydropyridine

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Summary

The effects on the substantia nigra of α-dihydroergocryptine (DEK), a drug with strong dopaminomimetic activity, were tested with a severe 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) treatment in monkeys. Compared with monkeys treated with MPTP alone, the animals which received DEK plus MPTP showed reduced neuronal death in the substantia nigra. The reactive astrocytes were increased in number. Moreover, several axons which were immunopositive to phosphorylated neurofilament proteins and with features similar to those of control animals were seen in the pars compacta. The findings suggest that DEK preserves neuronal morphology and brain architecture.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Universita' di Pavia, Centro di Studio per l'Istochimica del C.N.R., Piazza Botta 10, I-27100, Pavia, Italy

    G. Bernocchi, G. Gerzeli, E. Scherini & C. Vignola

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  1. G. Bernocchi
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  2. G. Gerzeli
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  3. E. Scherini
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  4. C. Vignola
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supported by Italian M.U.R.S.T. grants (to G.B.) and by Poli S. P. A., Rozzano, Milano

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Bernocchi, G., Gerzeli, G., Scherini, E. et al. Neuroprotective effects of α-dihydroergocryptine against damages in the substantia nigra caused by severe treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,3,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. Acta Neuropathol 85, 404–413 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00334452

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00334452

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