Experimental study of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons in nucleus accumbens of rats.
BACKGROUND
In order to explain the mechanism for the sparing of the nucleus accumbens in several pathologic conditions, the accumbens, caudate and putamen were examined in an experimental model.


METHODS
The neurons in these regions from twenty adult rats were stained for the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH-diaphorase) and quantified.


RESULTS
Positive neurons in the nucleus accumbens were more abundant than in the caudate and putamen.


CONCLUSIONS
Since these neurons have been shown to be resistant to ischemia and degeneration, it is suggested that the mechanism for the sparing of the nucleus accumbens is related to the presence of a large number of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons.
Zhao
Y
Y
Neuropathology Laboratory, Chinese Pla General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Huang
K W
KW
D000818:Animals; D002452:Cell Count; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009252:NADPH Dehydrogenase / Q000032:analysis*; D009474:Neurons / Q000201:enzymology*; D009714:Nucleus Accumbens / Q000201:enzymology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D009252:NADPH Dehydrogenase