Asymmetrically lesioned mesencephalon in healthy rodents: call for caution

Stereological counting of tyrosine-hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-IR) neurons in the mesencephalon is a pivotal parameter in assessing the extent of lesioning in animal models of Parkinson's disease. We here show that the number of TH-IR neurons often appears abnormally decreased in healthy—com...

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Published in:Brain research Vol. 1022; no. 1; pp. 251 - 253
Main Authors: Pioli, Elsa Y., Dovero, Sandra, Bioulac, Bernard H., Gross, Christian E., Bezard, Erwan
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: London Elsevier B.V 01.10.2004
Amsterdam Elsevier
New York, NY
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ISSN:0006-8993, 1872-6240
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Stereological counting of tyrosine-hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-IR) neurons in the mesencephalon is a pivotal parameter in assessing the extent of lesioning in animal models of Parkinson's disease. We here show that the number of TH-IR neurons often appears abnormally decreased in healthy—commercially available—mice and rats, although both the number of Nissl-stained cells and the striatal dopaminergic innervation are unaffected. This potential bias in assessing extent of neurotoxin-induced lesion and subsequent protection by pharmacological manipulation prompts us to call for caution in setting up experimental designs.
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ISSN:0006-8993
1872-6240
DOI:10.1016/j.brainres.2004.07.014