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Exogenous administration of L-arginine protects cholinergic neurons from colchicine neurotoxicity
L Giardino1, A Giuliani, L Calzà
1Department of Veterinary Morphophysiology and Animal Production (DIMORFIPA), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
Abstract:
The effect of L-arginine administration on susceptibility/resistance of NO-producing neurons was investigated in non-ischemic neurodegenerative conditions. ChAT mRNA level was measured by in situ hybridization in the basal forebrain after i.c.v. colchicine administration. Colchicine induced down-regulation of ChAT mRNA level followed by degeneration of cholinergic neurons. L-Arginine treatment increased ChAT mRNA level and prevented/delayed ChAT mRNA decrease by colchicine. These data suggest that L-arginine treatment may protect cholinergic neurons from colchicine-induced degeneration.