Dopaminergic Neuron Transplantation in the Weaver Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1. Introduction.
• Dopamine and Parkinson’s Disease.
• Experimental Models of Parkinsonism in Laboratory Animals.
• Graft-Assisted Neural Reconstruction (“Brainware Engineering”?).
• References.
• 2. Biology And Pathology of the Weaver Mutant Mouse.
• Cellular and Molecular Genetics of the Weaver Mutation.
• Alterations of the Mesotelencephalic Dopamine Projection System.
• Cerebellar Phenotype of the Weaver Mutant.
• Hippocampal Morphology.
• Biology of Normal ? Mutant Cell Associations.
• Behavioral Phenotype.
• Structural Clues to the Weaver Riddle.
• 3. Histochemical Properties of Intrastriatal Mesencephalic Grafts.
• Methodological Considerations.
• Expression of Catecholaminergic Neurotransmitter-Related Molecules and Quantitative Aspects of Dopaminergic Neuron Survival.
• Comparative Survival of Dopaminergic Neurons in Grafts Placed in Weaver and in 6-OHDA Lesion Hosts.
• Expression of Neuropeptides and Structural Proteins.
• 4. Structural Correlates of Process Outgrowth and Circuit Reconstruction.
• Axonal Reinnervation of the Host Striatum.
• Synaptic Investment of Graft-Derived Dopamine Terminals.
• Compartmental Specificity of the Striatal Reinnervation.
• Innervation of Nonstriatal Regions by the Grafts.
• Chemoaffinity and Axon-Target Recognition in Development and in Transplantation.
• Dendrite Extension from the Graft into the Host Striatum.
• Expression of Molecules Related to Axonal and Dendritic Outgrowth.
• 5. Neurochemical Indices of Functional Restoration.
• Dopamine Uptake Markers.
• Autoradiography of [3H]Dopamine Uptake.
• Dopamine Receptors.
• Neurotensin Receptors.
• Excitatory and Inhibitory Amino Acid Receptors.
• 6. Behavioral Recovery of Functional Responses.
• Unilateral Grafts and Circling Behavior.
• Correlationof Turning Bias with Structural and Biochemical Parameters.
• Dissociation of the Functional Contribution of Graft-Derived Axons and Dendrites in Rotational Asymmetry.
• Enhancement of Motor Performance after Bilateral Transplantation.
• 7. Directions for Future Research.
• Analysis of Early Events in Graft-Host Interactions.
• Trophic Considerations.
• Neurotransmitter Mechanisms.
• Supplemental Restoration of the Interrupted Nigro-Striato-Nigral Loop by Striatal/Nigral Double Grafts.