Presence of reactive microglia in monkey substantia nigra years after 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine administration.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

McGeer, Patrick L; Schwab, Claudia; André Parent; Doudet, Doris

Source:

Ann Neurol, Volume 54, Issue 5, p.599-604 (2003)

Keywords:

Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Animals, Extracellular Matrix, Female, HLA-DR Antigens, Humans, Immunohistochemistry, Macaca mulatta, Male, Melanins, Microglia, MPTP Poisoning, Neurons, Parkinson Disease, Substantia Nigra, Time Factors

Abstract:

<p>This report describes the presence of reactive microglia, the accumulation of extracellular melanin, and the extensive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of monkeys administered 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) 5 to 14 years before death. This evidence of chronic neuroinflammation years after MPTP exposure is similar to that previously reported in humans. The monkeys were drug free for at least 3 years before death, indicating that a brief exposure to MPTP had instituted an ongoing inflammatory process. The mechanism is unknown but could have important implications regarding the cause of Parkinson's disease and possible approaches to therapy.</p>