Abstract

Immunocytochemistry procedures and 6-hydroxy-dopamine-induced degeneration of dopamine nerve cells provided evidence that practically all tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (IR) neurons of the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area contain cytoplasmic basic fibroblast growth factor immunoreactivity (bFGF IR), while many astroglial cells in the neostriatum and substantia nigra contain nuclear bFGF IR. RNA blot analysis demonstrated strong expression of a major 3.7 kb bFGF mRNA in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. These results indicate that bFGF may be a significant growth factor in the DA neurons.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call