How dopamine tunes parvalbumin interneurons in the hippocampus:new experimental observations in Alzheimer's disease

Despite decades of dedicated resea rch,Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related and progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which the mechanisms of onset are sti unc ear.AD is cha racterized by featured histological alterations including amyloid-beta (AB) plaque deposition,accumulation of neurofibrillary to ngles of hyperphosphorylated-tau,and neuronal loss,accompanied by progressive cognitive decline and behavioral changes.

Context-dependency in medicine:how neuronal excitability influences the impact of dopamine on cognition

Dopamine,often termed the"feel-good"neurotransmitter,plays a crucial role in myriad physiological and psychological brain processes.While dopamine is primarily associated with pleasure,reward,and motivation,its effects can be quite complex;and this complexity is further compounded when examining how dopamine functions in typical versus disease-affected neural circuits.In pa rticula r,epilepsy,characte rized by heightened brain excitability,is linked to cognitive dysfunction,and dopamine is implicated in elements of both its pathology and treatment.Neuroscience has been successful in describing the synaptic abnormalities believed to contribute to memory issues in epilepsy,aiding in the search for effective therapies for what persists as a major medical issue.

The dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder in older adults.Despite its prevalence,its pathogenesis remains unclea r.In addition to the most widely accepted causes,which in clude excessive amyloid-beta aggregation,tau hyperphosphorylation,and deficiency of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine,numerous studies have shown that the dopaminergic system is also closely associated with the occurrence and development of this condition.Dopamine is a crucial catecholaminergic neurotransmitter in the human body.Dopamine-associated treatments,such as drugs that target dopamine receptor D and dopamine analogs,can improve cognitive function and alleviate psychiatric symptoms as well as ameliorate other clinical manifestations.Howeve r,therapeutics targeting the dopaminergic system are associated with various adverse reactions,such as addiction and exacerbation of cognitive impairment.This review summarizes the role of the dopaminergic system in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease,focusing on currently available dopamine-based therapies for this disorder and the common side effects associated with dopamine-related drugs.The aim of this review is to provide insights into the potential connections between the dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease,thus helping to clarify the mechanisms underlying the condition and exploring more effective therapeutic options.

Cortico-striatal gamma oscillations are modulated by dopamine D3 receptors in dyskinetic rats

Long-term levodopa administration can lead to the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Gamma oscillations are a widely recognized hallmark of abnormal neural electrical activity in levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Currently,studies have reported increased oscillation power in cases of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.However,little is known about how the other electrophysiological parameters of gamma oscillations are altered in levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Furthermore,the role of the dopamine D3 receptor,which is implicated in levodopa-induced dyskinesia,in movement disorder-related changes in neural oscillations is unclear.We found that the cortico-striatal functional connectivity of beta oscillations was enhanced in a model of Parkinson’s disease.Furthermore,levodopa application enhanced cortical gamma oscillations in cortico-striatal projections and cortical gamma aperiodic components,as well as bidirectional primary motor cortex(M1)↔dorsolateral striatum gamma flow.Administration of PD128907(a selective dopamine D3 receptor agonist)induced dyskinesia and excessive gamma oscillations with a bidirectional M1↔dorsolateral striatum flow.However,administration of PG01037(a selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist)attenuated dyskinesia,suppressed gamma oscillations and cortical gamma aperiodic components,and decreased gamma causality in the M1→dorsolateral striatum direction.These findings suggest that the dopamine D3 receptor plays a role in dyskinesia-related oscillatory activity,and that it has potential as a therapeutic target for levodopa-induced dyskinesia.

Recent progress in the applications of presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography imaging in parkinsonism

Nowadays,presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography,which assesses deficiencies in dopamine synthesis,storage,and transport,is widely utilized for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of parkinsonism.This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest developments in the application of presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography imaging in disorders that manifest parkinsonism.We conducted a thorough literature search using reputable databases such as PubMed and Web of Science.Selection criteria involved identifying peer-reviewed articles published within the last 5 years,with emphasis on their relevance to clinical applications.The findings from these studies highlight that presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography has demonstrated potential not only in diagnosing and differentiating various Parkinsonian conditions but also in assessing disease severity and predicting prognosis.Moreover,when employed in conjunction with other imaging modalities and advanced analytical methods,presynaptic dopaminergic positron emission tomography has been validated as a reliable in vivo biomarker.This validation extends to screening and exploring potential neuropathological mechanisms associated with dopaminergic depletion.In summary,the insights gained from interpreting these studies are crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of preclinical investigations and clinical trials,ultimately advancing toward the goals of neuroregeneration in parkinsonian disorders.

In vitro Effect of Dithiocarbamate Pesticides and of CaNa_2EDTA on Human Serum Dopamine-β-hydroxylase

Serum dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) inhibition has been reported in lead workers treated with CaNa2EDTA and in alcoholic patients repeatedly treated with the alcohol aversive drug Disulfiram. The mechanism of inhibition involves Cu-chelation at the active site of DBH. The effect of CaNa2EDTA and Disulfiram on serum DBH has been compared to the effect of dithiocarbamate pesticides in vitro for the possible use of serum DBH determination for the biological monitoring of workers exposed to these pesticides.Most dithiocarbamates inhibit human serum DBH at micromoIar concentrations (range of I50, 0.027-1.6 μmol/L). The inhibitory potency increased from methyl- and dimethyl dithiocarbamates to diethyl dithiocarbamates up to the most potent ethylene bisdithiocarbamates. The I50 of CaNa.EDTA was 3.8 mol/L, higher than those of dithiocarbamates. Copper addition to the test system rcactivated at stoichiometric concentrations dithiocarbamaie-inhibited DBH indicating that both base line values and percent of inhibition can be calculated in a single blood sample. Results suggest that serum DBH determination couId be useful in case of acute poisoning involving high doses of dithiocarbamate pesticides

Tyrosine Hydroxylase as a Target for Deltamethrin in the Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Pathway

Objective To study the effects of deltamethrin on tyrosine hydroxylase in nigrostriatum of male rats. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were daily treated with deltamethrin at 6.25 or 12.5 mg/kg body weight by gavage for 10 days. Then HPLC-fluorescence detection was used to analyze the contents of dopamine （DA）, 3,4-dihydmxyphenylacetic acid （DOPAC） and homoranillic acid （HVA） in substantial nigra and striatum. The activities of tyrosine hydroxylase （TH） were also detected by HPLC-fluorescence detection. TH mRNA or TH protein levels were measured by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry method. Results The content of DA in stfiatum was significantly decreased by the treatments, suggesting an inhibition of DA synthesis by deltamethrin. The contents of DA metabolites DOPAC and HVA increased, indicating increased dopamine turnover. Furthermore, deltamethrin significantly decreased the activity, as well as the mRNA and protein levels of TH. Conclusions These findings reveal a novel aspect of deltamethfin neurotoxicity and suggest tyrosine hydroxylase as a molecular target of deltamethin on dopamine metabolism in the nigrostriatal pathway.

Treatment time influences the effects of a low-frequency pulsed electric field on synthesis of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine in PC12 cells

BACKGROUND： Electromagnetic radiation can influence dopamine （DA） synthesis in brain tissues or ceils, but electromagnetic frequencies, intensities, and radiation time can produce different effects. In addition, the signal pathway by which electromagnetic radiation influences DA synthesis remains controversial. OBJECTIVE： To determine tyrosine hydroxylase （TH） expression in PC12 cells and DA levels in cell culture media after different periods of low-frequency pulsed electric field （LF-PEF） stimulation, and to determine how LF-PEF signaling stimulates TH synthesis using inhibitors. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A parallel, controlled, cell experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, between January and October 2006. MATERIALS： PC12 cells were purchased from the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. Nerve growth factor was purchased from PeproTech, USA. The protein kinase A inhibitor, H-89, and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor, U0126, were purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS： （1） Following routine culture in Dulbecco＇s modified eagle medium, primary PC12 cells were stimulated under LF-PEF （pulse frequency 50.Hz, pulse width 20 μs, peak field strength 1 V/m） for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes. （2） Inhibitors （H-89 or U0126, 1 μmol/L） were added 30 minutes before LF-PEF stimulation for 10 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： （1） TH expression was determined by Western blot in PC12 cells at 0.5, 1,2, 3, and 4 days after LF-PEF stimulation. Similarly, DA was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in media at 2, 3, 4, or 5 days after LF-PEE （2） TH expression was detected 1 day after H-89 or U0126 treatment and LF-PEE RESULTS： （1） Short-term LF-PEF stimulation （5 and 10 minutes） increased TH expression and media DA levels after short-term culture （2 days） （P 〈 0.01）, but both parameters decreased with longer culture （3 4 days） （P 〈 0.01）. Long-term LF-PEF stimulation （15, 20, or 30 minutes） decreased TH and DA synthesis, followed by a rapid increase （P 〈 0.01）. （2） H89 could completely inhibit TH expression in PC12 cells stimulated by LF-PEF for 10 minutes, while the inhibition rate of U0126 was 53.2%. CONCLUSION： Short-term LF-PEF first promotes then inhibits, while long-term LF-PEF first inhibits then promotes, TH and DA synthesis. LF-PEF stimulation regulates TH expression primarily by activating protein kinase A to regulate DA synthesis.

Coexistence of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and activated protein-2 alpha in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells

BACKGROUND： Tyrosine hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine-n-methyl transferase expression coexist in Purkinje cells of the rat cerebellum. Numerous reports have also been published addressing whether dopamine-beta-hydroxylase （DBH） expression exists in cerebellar Purkinje cells. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the coexistence of DBH and activator protein-2α expression in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cell morphological study was performed at the Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, China in May 2007. MATERIALS： Ten healthy Wistar rats, of either gender, aged 14 weeks, served as experimental animals. Rabbit anti-mouse DBH, goat anti-mouse activator protein-2α and rabbit anti-mouse β-actin （Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., USA）, horseradish peroxidase-labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG, FITC-labeled mouse anti-rabbit IgG, and Cy3-labeled mouse anti-goat IgG （Boster, Wuhan, China）, were used in this study. METHODS： Immunohistochemical staining was used to measure the expression of DBH or activator protein-2α, with double-label immunofluorescence being employed to determine coexpression of both, in the cerebellum of 5 randomly selected rats. Western blot assay was utilized to determine the expression of DBH and activator protein-2α in the cerebellum of the remaining 5 rats. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression, localization and coexistence of DBH and activator protein-2α in the cerebellum were measured separately. RESULTS： Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that cerebellar Purkinje cells stained positive for DBH and activator protein-2α. Western blot assay also demonstrated DBH and activator protein-2α expression in the cerebellum. Double-labeling immunofluorescence showed the coexistence of DBH and activator protein-2α in cerebellar Purkinje cells. CONCLUSION： Norepinephrine and activator protein-2α coexist in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells.

L-arginine alleviates postmenopausal complications in female rats by stimulating ovarian dopamine beta hydroxylase

Objective:To evaluate the levels of estrogen,albumin and gonadotropins(luteinizing hormone,follicle-stimulating hormone)as well as the activity of dopamine beta hydroxylase(DAβH)in aged female rats treated with nitric oxide precursor L-arginine and neuronal nitric oxide synthase antagonist L-NAME.Methods:A total of 224 Wistar rats(36 weeks old,weighing 250 g)based on a random sampling were divided into the control and experimental groups after Pap smear test.The control group received only saline(1 mL/kg)intraperitoneally(i.p.).The experiential groups were treated with L-arginine(5,25 and 50 mg/kg,i.p.)and L-NAME(5 and 25 mg/kg,i.p.)for 3 to 21 days,once a day.Blood samples were taken from the rats and the levels of estrogen and albumin and gonadotropins in the serum were monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit,and the ovaries were examined immunohistopathologically for DAβH activity.Results:L-arginine(5 mg/kg)significantly increased estrogen level(P<0.05),which was associated with DAβH activation in the ovaries.L-NAME reduced this effect when administered prior to L-arginine dose.L-arginine caused no significant change in the levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone.Except for the lowest dose of L-arginine in the shortest period,albumin levels significantly decreased in other treatments compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:L-arginine is likely to reduce postmenopausal problems due to an increased nitric oxide level.

Dopamine in the prefrontal cortex plays multiple roles in the executive function of patients with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease can affect not only motor functions but also cognitive abilities,leading to cognitive impairment.One common issue in Parkinson’s disease with cognitive dysfunction is the difficulty in executive functioning.Executive functions help us plan,organize,and control our actions based on our goals.The brain area responsible for executive functions is called the prefrontal co rtex.It acts as the command center for the brain,especially when it comes to regulating executive functions.The role of the prefrontal cortex in cognitive processes is influenced by a chemical messenger called dopamine.However,little is known about how dopamine affects the cognitive functions of patients with Parkinson’s disease.In this article,the authors review the latest research on this topic.They start by looking at how the dopaminergic syste m,is alte red in Parkinson’s disease with executive dysfunction.Then,they explore how these changes in dopamine impact the synaptic structure,electrical activity,and connection components of the prefrontal cortex.The authors also summarize the relationship between Parkinson’s disease and dopamine-related cognitive issues.This information may offer valuable insights and directions for further research and improvement in the clinical treatment of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease.

Hippocampal dopamine as a key regulator for learning deficits in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease(PD)is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with clinical symptoms of involuntary or uncontrollable movements such as tremors,rigidity,and incoordination.The learning deficit is largely overlooked in the past because it is generally less impaired in the early stages of PD than in Alzheimer's disease.

Melatonin and dopamine alleviate waterlogging stress in apples by recruiting beneficial endophytes to enhance physiological resilience

Melatonin and dopamine can potentially prevent waterlogging stress in apples.The current study investigated the mechanism by which melatonin and dopamine alleviate apple waterlogging stress.This study demonstrated that melatonin and dopamine alleviated waterlogging by removing reactive oxygen species(ROS),and that the nitric oxide(NO)content and nitrate reductase(NR)activity were significantly correlated.Melatonin and dopamine were also found to recruit different candidate beneficial endophytes(melatonin:Novosphingobium,Propionivibrio,and Cellvibrio;dopamine:Hydrogenophaga,Simplicispira,Methyloversatilis,Candidatus_Kaiserbacteria,and Humicola),and these endophytes were significantly and positively correlated with plant growth.Network analyses showed that melatonin and dopamine significantly affected the endophytic bacterial and fungal communities under waterlogging stress.The metabolomic results showed that melatonin and dopamine led to waterlogging resistance by upregulating the abundance of beneficial substances such as amino acids,flavonoids,coumarins,and organic acids.In addition,melatonin and dopamine regulated the physicochemical properties of the soil,which altered the endophyte community and affected plant growth.The co-occurrence network demonstrated close and complex relationships among endophytes,metabolites,soil,and the plants.Our results demonstrate that melatonin and dopamine alleviate waterlogging stress in apples by recruiting beneficial endophytes to enhance physiological resilience.This study provides new insights into how melatonin and dopamine alleviate stress and a theoretical basis for synergistic beneficial microbial resistance to waterlogging stress.

Mussel-inspired Methacrylic Gelatin-dopamine/Ag Nanoparticles/Graphene Oxide Hydrogels with Improved Adhesive and Antibacterial Properties for Applications as Wound Dressings

A novel strategy was developed to prepare the methacrylic gelatin-dopamine(GelMA-DA)/Ag nanoparticles(NPs)/graphene oxide(GO) composite hydrogels with good biocompatibility,mechanical properties,and antibacterial activity.Mussel-inspired DA was utilized to modify the GelMA molecules,which imparts good adhesive performance to the hydrogels.GO,interfacial enhancer,not only improves mechanical properties of the hydrogels,but also provides anchor sites for loading Ag NPs through numerous oxygencontaining functional groups on the surface.The experimental results show that the GelMA/Ag NPs/GO hydrogels have good biocompatibility,and exhibit a swelling rate of 202±16%,the lap shear strength of 147±17 kPa,and compressive modulus of 136±53 kPa,in the case of the Ag NPs/GO content of 2 mg/mL.Antibacterial activity of the hydrogels against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria is dependent on the Ag NPs/GO content derived from the release of Ag^(+).Furthermore,the GelMA/Ag NPs/GO hydrogels possess good adhesive ability,which is resistant to highly twisted state when stuck on the surface of pigskin.These results demonstrate promising potential of the GelMA-DA/Ag NPs/GO hydrogels as wound dressings for biomedical applications in clinical and emergent treatment.

Dopamine improves apple replant disease resistance by regulating physiological resilience and rhizosphere microbial community structure

Apple replant disease(ARD)is a complex agricultural problem caused by multiple stressors that can lead to increased reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels and limited nutrient utilization in plants.However,existing countermeasures cannot effectively address this challenge.Here,we used Malus hupehensis as a test organism to investigate whether the pleiotropic molecule dopamine can alleviate ARD using pot experiments.Exogenous application of 100μmol L-1 dopamine significantly promoted the growth of apple seedlings in the replanted soil,with a relative growth rate increase of 17.44%.Our results revealed two major pathways by which dopamine regulates ARD resistance in apple trees.First,dopamine effectively reduces the level of ROS and activates the expression of genes related to nitrogen(N)transport and metabolism.Among those genes,MdNLP5,MdNRT1.1,MdNLP2,MdNRT2.5,MdNLP3,MdNRT2.4,MdNADH-GAGOT,and MdFd-GAGOT were strongly regulated by dopamine.These regulatory effects promoted the uptake and utilization of soil N by the plants.Second,dopamine improved the physical and chemical properties,enhanced microbial community diversity,and promoted mutual cooperation between microbial communities in the soil.Furthermore,dopamine altered the microbial structure of rhizosphere soil(upregulating Clostridiales,Gaiellales,Sordariales and Mortierellales;downregulating Micrococcales,Longimicrobiales,Hypocreales and Cystobasidiales).Notably,dopamine significantly upregulated the abundances of Gaiella and Mortierella,both of which were positively correlated with soil urease activity,soil available N content,plant growth and N uptake.Dopamine also significantly downregulated the abundance of the plant pathogen Gibberella(by 11.71-fold)in replant soil.Our results provide insights into the mechanisms by which dopamine promotes ARD resistance,and can promote the sustainable development of the apple industry.

Differential effects of dopamine on pain-related electric activities in normal rats and morphinistic rats

Objective To investigate the influence of dopamine （DA） and DA receptor＇s antagonist on the transmission of noxious information in the central nervous system of normal rats or morphinistic rats. Methods The influence of DA on the electric activity of the pain-excited neuron （PEN） in the caudate nucleus （Cd） of normal rats or morphinistic rats was recorded after the sciatic nerve was noxiously stimulated. Results DA shortened the average latency of the evoked discharge of PEN in the Cd of normal rats, indicating that DA could increase the activity of PEN and pain sensitivity in normal rats. This effect could be inhibited by Droperidol. DA increased the average latency of the evoked discharge of PEN in the Cd of morphinistic rats, indicating that DA could inhibit the activity of PEN and pain sensitivity in morphinistic rats. Conclusion The responses to painful stimulation were completely opposite between normal rats and morphinistic rats after the intracerebroventricular injection of DA.

Liriodendrin protects SH-SY5Y cells from dopamine-induced cytotoxicity

Aim To investigate the effect of liriodendrin, an extract from Fraxinus sielboldiana blume belonging to the Oleaceae family, on dopamine-induced cytotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Methods Cell viability was processed when treated with 50 μmol·L^-1 of dopamine for 24 h by MTT assay. Early apoptosis, late apoptosis/necrosis were analyzed by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide （PI） double-staining, respectively. Generation of reactive oxygen species （ROS） was assessed by DCFH-DA, an oxidation-sensitive fluorescent probe. To evaluate mitochondrion membrane potential （Δψm） using flow cytometry with the fluorescent dye Rhodamine 123. The transcriptional level of P53 was studied using RT- PCR. Results The dopamine-induced loss of cell viability was significantly attenuated by liriodendrin treatment at the concentration of 10^-8, 10^-7, 10^-6, 10^-5 and 10^-4 mol·L^-1. The protective effects of liriodendrin （10^-7, 10^-6 and 10^-5 mol·L^-1） on dopamine-induced cytotoxicity may be ascribed to its anti-oxidative properties by reducing ROS level and anti-apoptotic effect via protection of Δψm. In addition, the effect of liriodendrin may involve the P53 pathway in apoptosis. Conclusion Liriodendrin may provide a useful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson＇s disease （PD）

EFFECTS OF DOPAMINE,ESTRADIOL AND TESTOSTERONE ON GONADOTROPIN RELEASE FROM THE PITUITARY FRAGMENTS OF Rana rugulosa

To understand the regulatory mechanisms of gonadotropin secretion in Rana rugulosa ,this study investigated the effects of dopamine (DA),estradiol (E 2) and testosterone (T) on the in vitro release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary fragments of female Rana rugulosa using a static incubation system and radio immunoassay (RIA). The results indicated that DA at the concentration from 0 1?μmol/L to 10?μmol/L inhibited the release of LH and FSH from the pituitary fragments of sexually pre mature or hibernating individuals,and the inhibitory effects enhanced with increasing concentrations of DA. E 2 at 1?μmol/L and 10?μmol/L significantly stimulated the release of LH of sexually pre mature individuals,but inhibited their FSH release at 0 1?μmol/L to 10?μmol/L;T had no obvious effects on their FSH release,but significantly inhibited their LH release at 10?μmol/L. Neither E 2 nor T,at the concentration from 0 1?μmol/L to 100?μmol/L,had obvious effects on the release of LH and FSH of hibernating individuals. The data suggest that DA and sexual steroids may have direct regulatory actions on LH and FSH release at the pituitary level in Rana rugulosa ,and the action of sexual steroids may relate to the gonadal development stages (seasons).

Iron contributes to the formation of catechol isoquinolines and oxidative toxicity induced by overdose dopamine in dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells

Objective The selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson＇s disease is suspected to correlate with the increase of cellular iron, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of PD by promotion of oxidative stress. This research investigated dopamine-induced oxidative stress toxicity contributed by iron and the production of dopamine-derived neurotoxins in dopaminergic SH-SYSY cells. Methods After the SH-SYSY cells were pre-incubated with dopamine and Fe^2＋ for 24 h, the cell viability, hydroxyl radical, melondialdehyde, cell apoptosis, and catechol isoquinolines were measured by lactate dehydrogenase assay, salicylic acid trapping method, thiobarbuteric acid assay, Hoechst 33258 staining and HPLC-electrochemical detection （HPLC-ECD）, respectively. Results （1） Optimal dopamine （150 μmol/L） and Fe^2＋ （40 or 80 μmol/L） significantly increased the concentrations of hydroxy radicals and melondialdehyde in SH-SYSY cells. （2） Induction with dopamine alone or dopamine and Fe^2＋ （dopamine/Fe^2＋） caused cell apoptosis. （3） Compared with untreated cells, the catechol isoquinolines, salsolinol and N-methyl-salsolinol in dopamine/Fe^2＋-induced cells were detected in increasing amounts. Conclusion Due to dopamine/Fe^2＋-induced oxidative stress similar to the state in the parkinsonian substantia nigra neurons, dopamine and Fe^2＋ impaired SH-SYSY cells could be used as the cell oxidative stress model of Parkinson＇s disease. The catechol isoquinolines detected in cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson＇s disease as potential neurotoxins.

Copper (Cu^(2+)) induces degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal system of rats

Objective To study the effects of intranigral injection of different doses of CuSO45H2O on dopaminergic neuron in the nigrostriatal system of rats. Methods Wistar rats were divided into four groups, including control group, 10 nmol, 50 nmol and 200 nmol copper injected into left substantia nigra （SN） groups. Seven days after the intranigral injection of copper, dopamine （DA） contents in the striatum （Str） were measured by high performance lipid chromotophotography （HPLC）; the density of tyrosine hydroxylase （TH） positive axons in the Str was measured by TH staining method; TH and Caspase-3 mRNA expression in the SN were measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. We detected the activity of superoxide dismutase （SOD） in the lesioned midbrain of rats using biochemical methods. Results DA and its metabolites contents had no significant difference between control group and low dose （10 nmol） copper group. But from 50 nmol copper group, DA contents in the lesioned sides were reduced with the increase in the copper doses injected, showing a significant linear correlation （F = 34.16, P 〈 0.01）. In the 50 nmol copper group, TH positive axons in the Str decreased compared with those of the control and unlesioned sides （F = 121.9, P 〈 0.01）. In the 50 nmol copper group, TH mRNA expression decreased （t =3.12, P 〈 0.01） while Caspase-3 mRNA expression increased （t =8.96, P 〈 0.01） in the SN compared with the control. SOD activity decreased in the midbmin of rots treated with 50 nmol copper compared with that of the control （t = 2.33, P〈0.01）. Conclusion Copper could induce damage of dopaminergic neurons in the SN of rats through destroying antioxidant defenses and promoting apoptosis.