Changes for Expression of GFAP in the Substantia Nigra and Striatum of the Hemiparkinsonism Monkey Model

Objective To investigate the changes for expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) in the substantia nigra and striatum of the hemiparkinsonism monkey model.Methods Three monkeys of hemiparkinsonism model were induced by injecting 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine(MPTP) unilaterally into the internal carotid artery.The changes of GFAP in the substantia nigra and striatum of threse hemiparkinsonian monkeys were compared with one normal control immunohistochemically.Results The GFAP-positive cells were increased significantly in the MPTP lesioned side of the substantia nigra and striatum of the hemiparkinsonism monkey model with comparison of those in the contralateral structures and the normal control.But,no increased expression of GFAP were found in the substantia nigra and striatum contralateral to the MPTP lesioned side.Conclusions The increased expression of GFAP in the MPTP induced hemiparkinsonism suggested that astrocytes may play a role in the mechanism of parkinsonian degeneration.