Exogenous administration of L-arginine protects cholinergic neurons from colchicine neurotoxicity.
The effect of L-arginine administration on susceptibility/resistance of NO-producing neurons was investigated in non-ischemic neurodegenerative conditions. ChAT mRNA level was measured by in situ hybridization in the basal forebrain after i.c.v. colchicine administration. Colchicine induced down-regulation of ChAT mRNA level followed by degeneration of cholinergic neurons. L-Arginine treatment increased ChAT mRNA level and prevented/delayed ChAT mRNA decrease by colchicine. These data suggest that L-arginine treatment may protect cholinergic neurons from colchicine-induced degeneration.
Giardino
L
L
Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production (DIMORFIPA), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
Giuliani
A
A
Calzà
L
L
D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D003078:Colchicine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000506:poisoning*; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016548:Prosencephalon / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D009498:Neurotoxins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D001120:Arginine; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase; D003078:Colchicine