ABSTRACT
Objective:To identify the effect of ?-synuclein overexpression on mitochondrial membrane structure with atomic force microscopy. Methods:?-syn expression was mediated by AAV (adeno-associated viral vector) and Recombinant AAV/?-syn and AAV/LacZ viral particles were stereotaxically injected in the left side of rat substantia nigra (SN) for rat model of ?-synuclein overexpression. Mitochondria were isolated from rats SN of Brain. Mitochondria were analysis with JC-1 staining,atomic force microscopy and Western blot. Results:By 16 weeks post-infection of AAV-?-syn,the level of ?-syn increased about 2 times in mitochondrial fraction with Western blot and mitochondrial membrane potential (??) decreased with JC-1 staining. Furthermore,mitochondria swelling and porous like structure formed on the mitochondrial membrane with atomic force microscopy. Conclusion:The data suggested that ?-syn could accumulate in mitochondria,might form mitochondrial membrane pores and lead to ?? decreases. ?-syn might lead to mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.