Systemic administration of Neuregulin-1ß(1) protects dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.

• Neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) is genetically linked to schizophrenia, a disease caused by neurodevelopmental imbalance in dopaminergic function. The Nrg1 receptor ErbB4 is abundantly expressed on midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Nrg1 has been shown to penetrate blood-brain barrier, and peripherally administered Nrg1 activates ErbB4 and leads to a persistent hyperdopaminergic state in neonatal mice. These data prompted us to study the effect of peripheral administration of Nrg1 in the context of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the dopaminergic system in the adult brain. We observed that systemic injections of the extracellular domain of Nrg1ß(1) (Nrg1ß(1) -ECD) increased dopamine levels in the substantia nigra and striatum of adult mice. Nrg1ß(1) -ECD injections also significantly protected the mouse nigrostriatal dopaminergic system morphologically and functionally against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced toxicity in vivo. Moreover, Nrg1ß(1) -ECD also protected human dopaminergic neurons in vitro against 6-hydroxydopamine. In conclusion, we have identified Nrg1ß(1) -ECD as a neurotrophic factor for adult mouse and human midbrain dopaminergic neurons with peripheral administratability, warranting further investigation as therapeutic option for PD patients.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Neurovetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Neurosciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

ErbB4 receptor

dopamine

neuregulin

neuroprotection

Parkinson's

disease

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)