ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To study the relationship of neurotoxicity of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and the function of glutamate transporter.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using in vivo microdialysis together with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to detect the alteration of glutamate in the striatum and extracellular fluid of the PC12 cell. The rate of apoptosis and the activity of PC12 cells are read in a flow cytometer and a photometer for enzyme-labeled assays. The function of glutamate transporter is decided by detecting the ability of L-[3H]-glutamate uptake.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>6-OHDA was shown to induce apoptosis and decrease the activity of PC12 cells. Increased release of glutamate was also found in PC12 cells and the injured striatum of the PD rats. But glutamate uptake in PC12 cells and rat striatum synaptosomes are inhibited obviously.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The neurotoxicity of 6-hydroxydopamine is associated with declined function of glutamate transporters, which may be one important pathogenesis mechanisms of Parkinson's disease.</p>