Poster Sessions CP14: Transplantation and Neurological Repair. GDNF and VMC cotransplantation helps in restoration of neurobehavioral function in Parkinson's disease

Abstract

During transplantation of VMC in Parkinson's disease their degeneration is very high due to lack of trophic support and mismatch conditions. To overcome this problem, Glial cell line‐derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) known to increase the functional viability and regeneration of dopaminergic cells. In the present study an attempt has been made to validate the role of GDNF cotransplanted with fetal VMC in functional restoration in rat model of Parkinson's disease. A significant restoration was observed in apomorphine induced rotation in rats co transplanted with GDNF and VMC (66%) as compare to VMC alone (42%). Apomorphine induced locomotor activity was restored by 67, 38% in cotransplanted and VMC alone transplanted rats, respectively. Level of dopamine and 3,4 dihydroxy‐phenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) in the striatum were significantly restored by 67 and 62, 42 and 33% in cotransplanted and VMC alone transplanted rats, respectively. A significant restoration was observed in striatum dopamine receptors by 69% in rats cotransplanted with VMC & GDNF, and 45% in those transplanted with VMC alone. GDNF alone transplantation did not show significant restoration in either of the parameters. Functional viabilty of dopaminergic neurons was further confirmed by Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) immunopositivity in striatal region where a significantly high expression was observed in cotransplanted animals when compared with VMC alone.Results of the present study suggests that cotransplantation of GDNF and VMC may help in better functional restoration in 6‐OHDA lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease studied at 4 weeks post transplantation.