Expressing changes of nitric oxide synthase in substantia nigra and striatum of hemiparkinsonism monkey model

Objective To investigate the expressing changes of nitric oxide synthase(NOS) in substantia nigra and striatum of the hemiparkinsonism monkey model.Methods Three hemiparkinsonian rhesus monkey models were induced by injecting 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP) unilaterally into the internal carotid artery.The expressing changes of NOS-positive neurons of substantia nigra and striatum in three hemiparkinsonism monkey models and one normal control monkey were observed by using NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry staining method.Results The NOS-positive neurons were increased significantly in the substantia nigra and striatum of MPTP lesioned side of hemiparkinsonian monkey model compared to contralateral side and normal control monkey(all P0.01),and no difference was found between contralateral side and normal control monkey.Conclusion The excessive production of NO secondary to the increment of NOS-positive neurons in the substantia nigra and striatum of hemiparkinsonian monkey models can play important role in the mechanism of neuronal degeneration and death.