Influence of activated microglia on the dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra in rats model of Parkinson's disease by rotenone

Objective To investigate the effect of activated microglial cells on neurons of the substantia nigra in rats model of Parkinson's disease caused by the injection of rotenone(RT).Methods RT was stereotaxically injected into the same place after injection of lipopolysaccharide(LPS) into substantia nigra,tyrosinehydroxylase and Iba-1 immunohistochemical staining was used.Results The percentage of TH positive cells in SNpc of SD rats was found to be higher in LPS treated group than in lower dose of RT treated group(P0.05),but not for higher dose of RT treated group(P 0.05).Conclusions LPS-activated microglial cells has protective effect on neurons of the substantia nigra in rats model of Parkinson's disease caused by the injection of rotenone.