Downregulation of thioredoxin reductase 1 expression in the substantia nigra pars compacta of Parkinson's disease mice.

Abstract

Because neurons are susceptible to oxidative damage and thioredoxin reductase 1 is extensively distributed in the central nervous system and has antioxidant properties, we speculated that the enzyme may be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. A Parkinson's disease model was produced by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine into C57BL/6 mice. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR, western blot analysis and colorimetric assay showed that the levels of thioredoxin reductase 1 mRNA and protein were decreased, along with a significant reduction in thioredoxin reductase activity, in the midbrain of Parkinson's disease mice compared with normal mice. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the number of thioredoxin reductase 1-positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of Parkinson's disease mice was significantly decreased compared with normal mice. These experimental findings suggest that the expression of thioredoxin reductase 1 in the substantia nigra pars compacta of Parkinson's disease mice is significantly decreased, and that the enzyme may be associated with disease onset.

• Authors: Zihua Liu, Yuhong Jing, Jie Yin, Jiying Mu, Tingting Yao, Liping Gao
• Journal: Neural regeneration research (Neural Regen Res) Vol. 8 Issue 35 Pg. 3275-83 (Dec 15 2013) ISSN: 1673-5374 [Print] India
• PMID: 25206649 (Publication Type: Journal Article)