Changes of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra compact of the aged rats / 临床神经病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the changes of dopaminergic(DA) neurons in substantia nigra compact of the aged rats.Methods Using RT-PCR,Western blot,immunohistochemistry and electron microscope to detect the levels of TH mRNA and TH protein,the number and the ultrastructure of TH-positive neurons in the substantia nigra compact of the aged rats(≥24 months),and comparing those with adult rats(4～5 months).Results The level of TH mRNA(0.66?0.12) in substantia nigra compact of the aged rats was much lower than that in the adult rats(1.09?0.08)(P0.05).However,the number of TH-positive neurons in the caudal of substantia nigra compact of the aged rats was much lower than that of the adult rats(P