Abstract
We report that exposure of cultured, postmitotic chick-embryo sympathetic neurons, to physiological concentrations of dopamine (0.1-1 mM) for 24 h initiates a cellular death process characteristic of apoptosis (= programmed-cell-death, PCD). Dopamine caused marked morphological alterations, mainly axonal disintegration and severe shrinkage and condensation of cell bodies. Flow-cytometric analysis of propidium-iodide-stained cell nuclei revealed the characteristic apoptotic nuclear fragmentation: increase in nuclear granularity and emergence of a large, distinct population of nuclei with reduced DNA content (subdiploid, apoptotic peak). These alterations were similar to changes induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) deprivation, a model of sympathetic neuronal PCD. Alterations were inhibited by the anti-oxidative agent DTT. Inappropriate, dopamine-induced activation of PCD might have a role in nigral neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's disease.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 136-140 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Neuroscience Letters |
Volume | 170 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 28 Mar 1994 |
Keywords
- Apoptosis
- DNA damage
- Dopamine
- Flow-cytometry
- Free radical
- Parkinson's disease