Abstract:

Objective    To investigate the protective effect of calbindin-D28k (CaBP)on dopaminergic(DA) neurons in the brain. Methods     The content of CaBP in the substantia nigra pars compacta, ventral tegmental area, hippocampus and cerebral cortex and the number of CaBP-positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta of  CaBP transgenic mice were determined. After the PD model was made by using 1-methyl-r-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP), behavioral indicators, such as swimming, hanging and mobile capability and the number of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)-positive cells in substantia nigra pars compacta were measured to verify that overexpression of CaBP depressed injury to DA neurons by MPTP. Results    The CaBP content in the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area of transgenic mice was significantly higher than that in wild mice, however, there was no significant difference in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The number of CaBP-positive cells in transgenic mice substantia nigra pars compacta was significantly higher than that in wild mice (140 ± 9.89  vs 101 ± 7.82). TH-positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta and four behavioral changes showed no significant difference in transgenic mice after administrating MPTP, while they showed significant differences in wild mice after administrating MPTP. Conclusion     Over-expression of CaBP has a protective effect on DA neurons.

Key words: Calcium-binding proteins; Dopamine； Neurons; Mice