This project will focus on the role of reactive metabolites of dopamine (DA) in the process of neurodegeneration. We hypothesize that (a) the oxidation of DA to free radicals and reactive DA quinones results in the selective destruction of DA terminals, (b) this will occur with both exogenous and endogenous DA, and ' the selectivity is due to the presence of high levels of cytoplasmic DA within the terminal where oxidation occurs. We have shown in rats that an intrastriatal injection of DA results in the formation of DA oxidation products, proteins-bound cysteinyl- catechols, and show evidence of selective toxicity to DA terminals. In the proposed experiments, we will examine more thoroughly the phenomenon of DA-induced toxicity in the rat model using biochemical indices of DA oxidation and biochemical and immunohistochemical indices of toxicity. First, we will rigorously examine whether exogenous DA produces a selective loss DA terminals, and whether the loss of terminals results in the subsequent loss of DA cells in the substantia nigra. Secondly, we will examine the vulnerability of DA terminals to DA-induced toxicity under conditions more readily associated with the disease such as in the aged, antioxidant-deficient, or metabolically- impaired rat. In addition, we will examine the neurotoxic effects of chronically administered intrastriatal DA and induces of DA oxidation following increased availability of endogenous DA in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rat exposed to L-dOPA. Thirdly, we will examine the role of DA uptake and DA metabolism as the mechanism associated with the selective vulnerability of DA terminals to DA-induced oxidative stress. This group of studies will examine the role of DA as opposed to other oxidants, and the effect of blocking DA uptake or DA metabolism on the selective toxicity to DA terminals. Finally, we will begin to examine potential protein targets of DA quinone binding both intracellularly and extracellularly. Specific effects of extracellular reactive metabolites on DA receptor binding will be examined as part of this study. The results of these studies will help to clarify whether reactive metabolites of DA may be contributing to the pathogenesis associated with the loss of DA neurons in Parkinson's disease as well as identify potentially useful therapeutic interventions.

Project Start
1999-05-01
Project End
2000-04-30
Budget Start
1998-10-01
Budget End
1999-09-30
Support Year
16
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Type
DUNS #
053785812
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Jaumotte, Juliann D; Wyrostek, Stephanie L; Zigmond, Michael J (2016) Protection of cultured dopamine neurons from MPP(+) requires a combination of neurotrophic factors. Eur J Neurosci 44:1691-9
Ayadi, Amina El; Zigmond, Michael J; Smith, Amanda D (2016) IGF-1 protects dopamine neurons against oxidative stress: association with changes in phosphokinases. Exp Brain Res 234:1863-1873
Napier, T Celeste; Corvol, Jean-Christophe; Grace, Anthony A et al. (2015) Linking neuroscience with modern concepts of impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord 30:141-9
Zigmond, Michael J; Smeyne, Richard J (2014) Exercise: is it a neuroprotective and if so, how does it work? Parkinsonism Relat Disord 20 Suppl 1:S123-7
Jaumotte, Juliann D; Zigmond, Michael J (2014) Comparison of GDF5 and GDNF as neuroprotective factors for postnatal dopamine neurons in ventral mesencephalic cultures. J Neurosci Res 92:1425-33
Ahrens, Allison M; Nobile, Cameron W; Page, Lindsay E et al. (2013) Individual differences in the conditioned and unconditioned rat 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations elicited by repeated amphetamine exposure. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 229:687-700
Zigmond, Michael J; Cameron, Judy L; Hoffer, Barry J et al. (2012) Neurorestoration by physical exercise: moving forward. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 18 Suppl 1:S147-50
Cohen, Ann D; Zigmond, Michael J; Smith, Amanda D (2011) Effects of intrastriatal GDNF on the response of dopamine neurons to 6-hydroxydopamine: time course of protection and neurorestoration. Brain Res 1370:80-8
El Ayadi, Amina; Zigmond, Michael J (2011) Low concentrations of methamphetamine can protect dopaminergic cells against a larger oxidative stress injury: mechanistic study. PLoS One 6:e24722
Allen, Erika; Carlson, Kirsten M; Zigmond, Michael J et al. (2011) L-DOPA reverses motor deficits associated with normal aging in mice. Neurosci Lett 489:1-4

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