Inflammatory Response and Oxidate Stress in the Degeneration of Dopamine Neurons in Parkinson's Disease

摘要

Parkinson's disease is characterized by the depletion of glutathione (GSH) in, the substantia nigra and the degeneration of nigral dopamine neurons. In our study we examined the relationship between cellular GSH depletion and neuronal degeneration. Using rat mesencephalic cultures as a model, we found that GSH depletion results in phospholipase A, (PLA(sub 2))-dependent release of arachidonic acid and increase in lipoxygenase LOX-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism. These events generate reactive oxygen species, which accumulate in the cells and result in oxidative stress and cell death. Cell death can be prevented by interrupting different steps of this process, including replenishment of GSH, inhibition of PLA-activity, inhibition of LOX activity and increase in the antioxidant defenses of the cells (up-regulation of superoxide dismutase, addition of ascorbic acid). Our studies provide information, which may be important in the understanding of the etiology of Parkinson's disease and could offer insights for the design of medication to prevent the progress of the disorder in Parkinson's patients.