Unregulated cytosolic dopamine causes neurodegeneration associated with oxidative stress in mice

Dopamine quinones interact with alpha-synuclein to form unstructured adducts

alpha-Synuclein (alphasyn) fibril formation is considered a central event in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). In recent years, it has been proposed that prefibrillar annular oligomeric beta-sheet-rich species, called protofibrils, rather than fibrils themselves, may be the neurotoxic species. The oxidation products of dopamine (DAQ) can inhibit alphasyn fibril formation supporting the idea that DAQ might stabilize alphasyn protofibrils. In the present work, through different biochemical and biophysical techniques, we isolated and structurally characterized alphasyn/DAQ adducts. Contrary to protofibrils, we demonstrated that alphasyn/DAQ adducts retain an unfolded conformation. We then investigated the nature of the modifications induced on alphasyn by DAQ. Our results indicate that only a small fraction of alphasyn interacts with DAQ in a covalent way, so that non-covalent interaction appears to be the major modification induced by DAQ on alphasyn.

Optimized adeno-associated viral vector-mediated striatal DOPA delivery restores sensorimotor function and prevents dyskinesias in a model of advanced Parkinson's disease

Viral vector-mediated gene transfer utilizing adeno-associated viral vectors has recently entered clinical testing as a novel tool for delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain. Clinical trials in Parkinson's disease using adeno-associated viral vector-based gene therapy have shown the safety of the approach. Further efforts in this area will show if gene-based approaches can rival the therapeutic efficacy achieved with the best pharmacological therapy or other, already established, surgical interventions. One of the strategies under development for clinical application is continuous 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine delivery. This approach has been shown to be efficient in restoring motor function and reducing established dyskinesias in rats with a partial lesion of the nigrostriatal dopamine projection. Here we utilized high purity recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors serotype 5 coding for tyrosine hydroxylase and its co-factor synthesizing enzyme guanosine-5'-triphosphate cyclohydrolase-1, delivered at an optimal ratio of 5 : 1, to show that the enhanced 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine production obtained with this optimized delivery system results in robust recovery of function in spontaneous motor tests after complete dopamine denervation. We found that the therapeutic efficacy was substantial and could be maintained for at least 6 months. The tyrosine hydroxylase plus guanosine-5'-triphosphate cyclohydrolase-1 treated animals were resistant to developing dyskinesias upon peripheral l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine drug challenge, which is consistent with the interpretation that continuous dopamine stimulation resulted in a normalization of the post-synaptic response. Interestingly, recovery of forelimb use in the stepping test observed here was maintained even after a second lesion depleting the serotonin input to the forebrain, suggesting that the therapeutic efficacy was not solely dependent on dopamine synthesis and release from striatal serotonergic terminals. Taken together these results show that vector-mediated continuous 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine delivery has the potential to provide significant symptomatic relief even in advanced stages of Parkinson's disease.

Functional enhancement and protection of dopaminergic terminals by RAB3B overexpression

In Parkinson's disease (PD), dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN, A9) are particularly vulnerable, compared to adjacent DA neurons within the ventral tegmental area (VTA, A10). Here, we show that in rat and human, one RAB3 isoform, RAB3B, has higher expression levels in A10 compared to A9 neurons. RAB3 is a monomeric GTPase protein that is highly enriched in synaptic vesicles and is involved in synaptic vesicle trafficking and synaptic transmission, disturbances of which have been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. These findings prompted us to further investigate the biology and neuroprotective capacity of RAB3B both in vitro and in vivo. RAB3B overexpression in human dopaminergic BE (2)-M17 cells increased neurotransmitter content, [(3)H] dopamine uptake, and levels of presynaptic proteins. AAV-mediated RAB3B overexpression in A9 DA neurons of the rat SN increased striatal dopamine content, number and size of synaptic vesicles, and levels of the presynaptic proteins, confirming in vitro findings. Measurement of extracellular DOPAC, a dopamine metabolite, following l-DOPA injection supported a role for RAB3B in enhancing the dopamine storage capacity of synaptic terminals. RAB3B overexpression in BE (2)-M17 cells was protective against toxins that simulate aspects of PD in vitro, including an oxidative stressor 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and a proteasome inhibitor MG-132. Furthermore, RAB3B overexpression in rat SN both protected A9 DA neurons and resulted in behavioral improvement in a 6-OHDA retrograde lesion model of PD. These results suggest that RAB3B improves dopamine handling and storage capacity at presynaptic terminals, and confers protection to vulnerable DA neurons.

A biochemical and functional protein complex involving dopamine synthesis and transport into synaptic vesicles

Synaptic transmission depends on neurotransmitter pools stored within vesicles that undergo regulated exocytosis. In the brain, the vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT(2)) is responsible for the loading of dopamine (DA) and other monoamines into synaptic vesicles. Prior to storage within vesicles, DA synthesis occurs at the synaptic terminal in a two-step enzymatic process. First, the rate-limiting enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) converts tyrosine to di-OH-phenylalanine. Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) then converts di-OH-phenylalanine into DA. Here, we provide evidence that VMAT(2) physically and functionally interacts with the enzymes responsible for DA synthesis. In rat striata, TH and AADC co-immunoprecipitate with VMAT(2), whereas in PC 12 cells, TH co-immunoprecipitates with the closely related VMAT(1) and with overexpressed VMAT(2). GST pull-down assays further identified three cytosolic domains of VMAT(2) involved in the interaction with TH and AADC. Furthermore, in vitro binding assays demonstrated that TH directly interacts with VMAT(2). Additionally, using fractionation and immunoisolation approaches, we demonstrate that TH and AADC associate with VMAT(2)-containing synaptic vesicles from rat brain. These vesicles exhibited specific TH activity. Finally, the coupling between synthesis and transport of DA into vesicles was impaired in the presence of fragments involved in the VMAT(2)/TH/AADC interaction. Taken together, our results indicate that DA synthesis can occur at the synaptic vesicle membrane, where it is physically and functionally coupled to VMAT(2)-mediated transport into vesicles.

Melatonin inhibits 6-hydroxydopamine production in the brain to protect against experimental parkinsonism in rodents

We tested the hypothesis that melatonin regulates formation of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in the brain and thereby protects animals from dopaminergic neurotoxicity and the development of parkinsonism in animals. Employing a ferrous-ascorbate-dopamine (FAD) hydroxyl radical ((*)OH) generating system, in the present study we demonstrate a dose-dependent attenuation of 6-OHDA generation by melatonin in vitro. Intra-median forebrain bundle infusion of FAD caused significant depletion of striatal dopamine (DA), which was blocked by melatonin. Per-oral administration of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) for 7 days caused a dose-dependent increase in the formation of 6-OHDA in the mouse striatum, which was increased synergistically by the systemic administration of the parkinsonian neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on the 7th day of L-DOPA treatment. Melatonin treatment significantly attenuated both the L-DOPA and MPTP-induced increases in the levels of striatal 6-OHDA, and protected against striatal DA depletion caused by the neurotoxin. These observations suggest a novel mode of melatonin-induced dopaminergic neuroprotection in two models of Parkinson's disease, and suggest the possible therapeutic use of this well-known antioxidant indoleamine neurohormone in parkinsonism.

Protein reactivity of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde, a toxic dopamine metabolite, is dependent on both the aldehyde and the catechol

Dopamine (DA) has been implicated as an endogenous neurotoxin to explain selective neurodegeneration, as observed for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, previous work demonstrated that 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) was more toxic than DA. DOPAL is generated as a part of DA catabolism via the activity of monoamine oxidase, and the mechanism of DOPAL toxicity is proposed to involve protein modification. Previous studies have demonstrated protein reactivity via the aldehyde moiety; however, DOPAL contains two reactive functional groups (catechol and aldehyde), both with the potential for protein adduction. The goal of this work was to determine whether protein modification by DOPAL occurs via a thiol-reactive quinone generated from oxidation of the catechol, which is known to occur for DA, or if the aldehyde forms adducts with amine nucleophiles. To accomplish this objective, the reactivity of DOPAL toward N-acetyl-lysine (NAL), N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), and two model proteins was determined. In addition, several DOPAL analogues were obtained and used for comparison of reactivity. Results demonstrate that at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C, the order of DOPAL reactivity is NAL >> NAC and the product of NAL and DOPAL is stable in the absence of reducing agent. Moreover, DOPAL will react with model proteins, but in the presence of amine-selective modifiers citraconic anhydride and 2-iminothiolane hydrochloride, the reactivity of DOPAL toward the proteins is diminished. In addition, DOPAL-mediated protein cross-linking is observed when a model protein or a protein mixture (i.e., mitochondria lysate) is treated with DOPAL at concentrations of 5-100 microM. Protein cross-linking was diminished in the presence of ascorbate, suggesting the involvement of a quinone in DOPAL-mediated protein modification. These data indicate that DOPAL is highly reactive toward protein nucleophiles with the potential for protein cross-linking.

Constitutive Ret signaling is protective for dopaminergic cell bodies but not for axonal terminals

Ret is the canonical signaling receptor for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which has been shown to have neuroprotective effects when administered prior to neurotoxic challenge. A missense Meth918Thr mutation causes the constitutive activation of Ret, resulting in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 B (MEN2B). To clarify the role of Ret signaling in neuroprotection, we studied the effects of the neurotoxins 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on the dopaminergic system of mice carrying the MEN2B mutation. We found that MEN2B mice were significantly more resistant to nigral tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cell loss induced by unilateral striatal 6-OHDA than Wt mice. However, 6-OHDA caused profound dopamine (DA) depletion in the striatum of both MEN2B and Wt mice. Systemic MPTP caused similar DA depletion and a decrease in TH-immunostaining in the striatum of MEN2B and Wt mice. Neither neurotoxin induced a compensatory increase in striatal metabolite/DA ratios in the MEN2B mice, possibly contributing to an increased amphetamine-induced turning behavior observed in behavioral assessments of these mice. Thus, our data suggest that activated Ret protects DA cell bodies in the substantia nigra pars compacta, but does not protect DA axons in the striatum.

3-Nitrotyrosine and glutathione antioxidant system in patients in the early and late stages of bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

There has been an increasing interest in the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. To explore this further, we evaluated the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), as well as 3-nitrotyrosine levels and carbonyl content in patients in the early (within 3 years of illness onset) and late (a minimum of 10 years of illness) stages of bipolar disorder.

METHODS

We matched 30 patients in the early stage and 30 patients in the late stage of bipolar disorder, diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria, with 60 healthy controls (30 matched for each group of patients). We measured symptomatic status using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Young Mania Rating Scale.

RESULTS

We found a significant increase in 3-nitrotyrosine levels among patients in the early (p < 0.010) and late (p < 0.010) stages of bipolar disorder. The activity of GR and GST was increased only among patients in the late stage of illness. Glutathione peroxidase activity and carbonyl content did not differ among the groups.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations of our study include its cross-sectional design, which did not allow us to examine direct causative mechanisms or the effects of progression of illness, and the potential environmental bias introduced by comparing patient groups recruited from different regions of the world.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate a possible tyrosine nitration-induced damage in patients with bipolar disorder that is present from the early stage of illness. Our data also indicate that patients in the late stage of illness demonstrate enhanced activity of GR and GST, which could suggest the involvement of a compensatory system in bipolar disorder.

Interplay between cytosolic dopamine, calcium, and alpha-synuclein causes selective death of substantia nigra neurons

The basis for selective death of specific neuronal populations in neurodegenerative diseases remains unclear. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a synucleinopathy characterized by a preferential loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN), whereas neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are spared. Using intracellular patch electrochemistry to directly measure cytosolic dopamine (DA(cyt)) in cultured midbrain neurons, we confirm that elevated DA(cyt) and its metabolites are neurotoxic and that genetic and pharmacological interventions that decrease DA(cyt) provide neuroprotection. L-DOPA increased DA(cyt) in SN neurons to levels 2- to 3-fold higher than in VTA neurons, a response dependent on dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels, resulting in greater susceptibility of SN neurons to L-DOPA-induced neurotoxicity. DA(cyt) was not altered by alpha-synuclein deletion, although dopaminergic neurons lacking alpha-synuclein were resistant to L-DOPA-induced cell death. Thus, an interaction between Ca2+, DA(cyt), and alpha-synuclein may underlie the susceptibility of SN neurons in PD, suggesting multiple therapeutic targets.

Effect of adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonists on L-DOPA-induced hydroxyl radical formation in rat striatum

A(2A) adenosine receptor antagonists have been proposed as a new therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Since oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PD, we studied the effect of the selective A(2A) adenosine receptor antagonists 8-(3-chlorostyryl)caffeine (CSC) and 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol (ZM 241385) on L: -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L: -DOPA)-induced hydroxyl radical generation using in vivo microdialysis in the striatum of freely moving rats. L: -DOPA (100 mg/kg; in the presence of benserazide, 50 mg/kg) given acutely or repeatedly for 14 days generated a high level of hydroxyl radicals, measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection, as the product of their reaction with p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PBA). CSC (1 mg/kg) and ZM 241385 (3 mg/kg) decreased haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg)-induced catalepsy, while at low doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively, they did not display an effect. CSC (1 and 5 mg/kg) and ZM 241385 (3 and 9 mg/kg) given acutely, or CSC (1 mg/kg) and ZM 241385 (3 mg/kg) given repeatedly, increased the production of hydroxyl radicals in dialysates from rat striatum. Both acute and repeated administration of CSC (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) and ZM 241385 (3 mg/kg) decreased L: -DOPA-induced generation of hydroxyl radicals. However, a high single dose of either CSC (5 mg/kg) and ZM 241385 (9 mg/kg) markedly potentiated the effect of L: -DOPA on hydroxyl radical production. The increase in hydroxyl radical production by acute and chronic injection of CSC and ZM 241385 may be related to the increased release of dopamine (DA) and its metabolism in striatal dialysates. Similarly, increased DA release following a single high dose of CSC or ZM 241385 appears to be responsible for augmentation of L: -DOPA-induced hydroxyl radical formation. Conversely, the inhibition of L: -DOPA-induced production of hydroxyl radical by single and repeated low doses of CSC or repeated low doses of ZM 241385 may be related to reduced DA metabolism. Summing up, A(2A) antagonists, used as a supplement of L: -DOPA therapy, depending on the dose used, may have a beneficial or adverse effect on ongoing neurodegenerative processes and accompanying oxidative stress.

Scientific rationale for the development of gene therapy strategies for Parkinson's disease

The ever-evolving understanding of the neuronal systems involved in Parkinson's disease together with the recent advances in recombinant viral vector technology has led to the development of several gene therapy applications that are now entering into clinical testing phase. To date, four fundamentally different approaches have been pursued utilizing recombinant adeno-associated virus and lentiviruses as vectors for delivery. These strategies aim either to restore the lost brain functions by substitution of enzymes critical for synthesis of neurotransmitters or neurotrophic factors as a means to boost the function of remaining neurons in the diseased brain. In this review we discuss the differences in mechanism of action and describe the scientific rationale behind the currently tested gene therapy approaches for Parkinson's disease in some detail and pinpoint their individual unique strengths and weaknesses.

Nrf2-mediated neuroprotection in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease: Critical role for the astrocyte

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) and in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) animal model of PD. It is known that under conditions of oxidative stress, the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2) binds to antioxidant response element (ARE) to induce antioxidant and phase II detoxification enzymes. To investigate the role of Nrf2 in the process of MPTP-induced toxicity, mice expressing the human placental alkaline phosphatase (hPAP) gene driven by a promoter containing a core ARE sequence (ARE-hPAP) were used. ARE-hPAP mice were injected (30 mg/kg) once per day for 5 days and killed 7 days after the last MPTP injection. In response to this design, ARE-dependent gene expression was decreased in striatum whereas it was increased in substantia nigra. The same MPTP protocol was applied in Nrf2(+/+) and Nrf2(-/-) mice; Nrf2 deficiency increases MPTP sensitivity. Furthermore, we evaluated the potential for astrocytic Nrf2 overexpression to protect from MPTP toxicity. Transgenic mice with Nrf2 under control of the astrocyte-specific promoter for the glial fribillary acidic protein (GFAP-Nrf2) on both a Nrf2(+/+) and Nrf2(-/-) background were administered MPTP. In the latter case, only the astrocytes expressed Nrf2. Independent of background, MPTP-mediated toxicity was abolished in GFAP-Nrf2 mice. These striking results indicate that Nrf2 expression restricted to astrocytes is sufficient to protect against MPTP and astrocytic modulation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway is a promising target for therapeutics aimed at reducing or preventing neuronal death in PD.

Vascular pro-oxidant effects related to the autoxidation of dopamine

Dopamine autoxidation in an oxygenated physiological salt solution (37 degrees C, pH=7.4) mostly occurred in a 2.5 h time period. H(2)O(2) and dopamine quinones were produced during dopamine autoxidation. In partially pre-contracted rat aortic rings, 10-100 microm dopamine induced endothelium-independent contractions and 0.3-1 mm dopamine induced complete, slow-developing endothelium-independent relaxations. Indomethacin and catalase suppressed the endothelium-independent dopamine contractions. Catalase strongly reduced the endothelium-independent dopamine relaxations. Furthermore, 1 mm dopamine for 60 min followed by a 90 min washout period induced the release of lactate dehydrogenase and the complete impairment of ring reactivity to phenylephrine and KCl. Pre-treatment with catalase or glutathione prevented dopamine-induced deleterious effects so that further concentration-response curves to phenylephrine and KCl could be obtained. The phenylephrine potency was maintained in rings pre-treated with glutathione but not in rings pre-treated with catalase.

IN CONCLUSION

(1) dopamine is rapidly and non-enzymatically oxidized in physiological solutions, generating H(2)O(2) and quinones; (2) low H(2)O(2) levels increase vascular tone by activating cyclooxygenase; (3) high H(2)O(2) levels cause irreversible relaxations due to unspecific cellular damage; and (4) dopamine quinones cause a specific alteration in the phenylephrine response.

The human immunodeficiency virus-1-associated protein, Tat1-86, impairs dopamine transporters and interacts with cocaine to reduce nerve terminal function: a no-net-flux microdialysis study

Injection drug use accounts for approximately one-third of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the United States. HIV-associated proteins have been shown to interact with various drugs of abuse to incite concerted neurotoxicity. One common area for their interaction is the nerve terminal, including dopamine transporter (DAT) systems. However, results regarding DAT function and regulation in HIV-infection, regardless of drug use, are mixed. Thus, the present experiments were designed to explicitly control Tat and cocaine administration in an in vivo rat model in order to reconcile differences that exist in the literature to date. We examined Tat plus cocaine-induced alterations using no-net-flux microdialysis, which is sensitive to alterations in DAT function, in order to test the potential for DAT as an early mediator of HIV-induced oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in vivo. Within 5 h of intra-accumbal administration of the HIV-associated protein, Tat, we noted a significant reduction in local DAT efficiency with little change in DA overflow/release dynamics. Further, at 48 h post-Tat administration, we demonstrated a concerted effect of the HIV-protein Tat with cocaine on both uptake and release function. Finally, we discuss the extent to which DAT dysfunction may be considered a predecessor to generalized nerve terminal dysfunction. Characterization of DAT dysfunction in vivo may provide an early pharmacotherapeutic target, which in turn may prevent or attenuate downstream mediators of neurotoxicity (i.e., reactive species) to dopamine systems occurring in neuro-AIDS.

Elevated serum superoxide dismutase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in different phases of bipolar disorder and in schizophrenia

There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of both schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD).

METHODS

We compared the antioxidant enzyme, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the lipid peroxidation product, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as assessed in depressed (N=21), manic (N=32) and euthymic (N=31) bipolar patients, and in chronically medicated patients with schizophrenia (N=97), all fulfilling DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, and a group of healthy controls (N=32).

RESULTS

Serum SOD (U/mg protein) activity was significantly increased (p<0.001) in manic (7.44+/-3.88) and depressed (6.12+/-4.64) BD patients and SZ (9.48+/-4.51) when compared to either controls (1.81+/-0.63) or euthymic (2.75+/-1.09) BD patients. TBARS (mol/L) levels were significantly higher in the SZ group (4.95+/-1.56, p=0.016), bipolar euthymic (6.36+/-1.46, p<0.001), bipolar manic (7.54+/-1.74, p<0.001), and bipolar depressed patients (5.28+/-1.54, p=0.028) compared to controls (3.96+/-1.51).

DISCUSSION

Our findings show increased SOD activity in SZ, as well as in depressed and manic bipolar patients, but not in euthymic BD subjects. This suggests a dysregulation in oxidative defenses in both disorders. It is likely that such changes reflect state changes in bipolar disorder. It is possible that this is a compensatory response to the oxidative stress that occurs in the acute phase of bipolar episodes. TBARS results show increases in lipid peroxidation in mania. TBARS levels in SZ and in euthymic as well as depressed individuals with BD were higher than in controls. This suggests persistent increases in SZ, which may reflect ongoing symptomatology or treatment, and a state dependent gradient in BD, with greatest oxidative stress in mania. These data support oxidative biology as both a key component of the pathophysiology of both BD and SZ, and the use of agents that modulate oxidative biology as a promising avenue for intervention in both disorders.

The neurotoxic effects of manganese on the dopaminergic innervation of the gill of the bivalve mollusc, Crassostrea virginica

We examined effects of manganese on the nervous system and innervation of lateral cilia of Crassostrea virginica. While essential in trace amounts, tissue manganese accumulation is neurotoxic, inducing Manganism, a Parkinson's-like disease in humans. Lateral cilia of the gill of C. virginica are controlled by a reciprocal serotonergic-dopaminergic innervation from their ganglia. Oysters were incubated 3 days in the presence of up to 1 mM manganese, followed by superfusion of the cerebral ganglia, visceral ganglia or gill with dopamine or serotonin. Beating rates of cilia were measured by stroboscopic microscopy of isolated gill preparations or gill preparations with the ipsilateral cerebral and/or visceral ganglia attached. Acute manganese treatments impaired the dopaminergic, cilio-inhibitory system, while having no effect on the serotonergic, cilio-excitatory system, which is in agreement with the proposed mechanism of manganese toxicity in humans. Manganese treatments also decreased endogenous dopamine levels in the cerebral and visceral ganglia, and gills, but not serotonin levels. We demonstrated that manganese disrupts the animal's dopaminergic system, and also that this preparation can be used to investigate mechanisms that underlie manganese neurotoxicity. It also may serve as a model in pharmacological studies of drugs to treat or prevent Manganism and other dopaminergic cell disorders.

Parkin deletion causes cerebral and systemic amyloidosis in human mutated tau over-expressing mice

Deposition of proteins leading to amyloid takes place in some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. Mutations of tau and parkin proteins produce neurofibrillary abnormalities without deposition of amyloid. Here we report that mature, parkin null, over-expressing human mutated tau (PK(-/-)/Tau(VLW)) mice have altered behaviour and dopamine neurotransmission, tau pathology in brain and amyloid deposition in brain and peripheral organs. PK(-/-)/Tau(VLW) mice have abnormal behaviour and severe drop out of dopamine neurons in the ventral midbrain, up to 70%, at 12 months and abundant phosphorylated tau positive neuritic plaques, neuro-fibrillary tangles, astrogliosis, microgliosis and plaques of murine beta-amyloid in the hippocampus. PK(-/-)/Tau(VLW) mice have organomegaly of the liver, spleen and kidneys. The electron microscopy of the liver confirmed the presence of a fibrillary protein deposits with amyloid characteristics. There is also accumulation of mouse tau in hepatocytes. These mice have lower levels of CHIP-HSP70, involved in the proteosomal degradation of tau, increased oxidative stress, measured as depletion of glutathione which, added to lack of parkin, could trigger tau accumulation and amyloidogenesis. This model is the first that demonstrates beta-amyloid deposits caused by over-expression of tau and without modification of the amyloid precursor protein, presenilins or secretases. PK(-/-)/Tau(VLW) mice provide a link between the two proteins more important for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease.

Effects of p-Aminosalicylic acid on the Neurotoxicity of Manganese and Levels of Dopamine and Serotonin in the Nervous System and Innervated Organs of Crassostrea virginica

Manganese is a neurotoxin causing Manganism in individuals chronically exposed to elevated levels in their environment. Toxic manganese exposure causes mental and emotional disturbances, and a movement disorder similar to Idiopathic Parkinsons Disease. Manganese interferes with dopamine neurons involved in control of body movements. Recently, p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) is being used to alleviate symptoms of Manganism, but its mechanism of action is unknown. The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, possesses a dopaminergic innervation of its gill. Oysters exposed to manganese have reduced levels of dopamine in the cerebral ganglia, visceral ganglia and gill, but not of norepinephrine, octopamine or serotonin. Those results are consistent with reported mechanisms of action of manganese in human and mammalian systems. In this study we determined the effects of PAS treatments on dopamine and serotonin levels in oysters exposed to manganese. Adult C. virginica were exposed to 500 µM and 1 mM of manganese with and without 500 µM and 1 mM of PAS by removing one shell and maintaining the animals in individual containers of aerated artificial sea water at 18° C for 3 days. Control animals were similarly treated without manganese or PAS. Dopamine and serotonin levels were measured by HPLC with fluorescence detection. PAS protected the ganglia and gill against the effects of 500 µM manganese, but not against the 1 mM manganese treatments. Serotonin levels were not affected by the treatments. The study demonstrates PAS can protect against reductions in dopamine levels caused by neurotoxic manganese exposure, but is concentration dependent. These findings may provide insights into the actions of PAS in therapeutic treatments of Manganism.