Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Semi-Quantitative Determination of Dopaminergic Neuron Density in the Substantia Nigra of Rodent Models using Automated Image Analysis
Published on: February 2, 2021
Proteome analysis of human substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease
Manuela Basso1, Sabrina Giraudo, Davide Corpillo
1Department of Structural and Functional Biology, and Center of Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy.
Abstract:
Protein expression has been compared in human substantia nigra specimens from Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and from controls, and 44 proteins expressed in this midbrain region were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. Among them, nine showed changes in their abundance. L and M neurofilament chains are less abundant in PD specimens, whereas peroxiredoxin II, mitochondrial complex III, ATP synthase D chain, complexin I, profilin, L-type calcium channel delta-subunit, and fatty-acid binding protein are significantly more present in PD samples than in controls. Besides the consolidated view of oxidative stress involvement in PD pathogenesis, suggested by overexpression of mitochondrial and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging proteins, these results indicate a possible potentiation mechanism of afferent signals to substantia nigra following degeneration of dopaminergic neurons.
Related Concept Videos
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Neural Regulation
Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...

