Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
The 6-hydroxydopamine Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease
Published on: October 27, 2021
Restoration of motor control and dopaminergic activity in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxy-dopamine lesions
Stephen J M Skinner1, Hai Lin, Marilyn S Geaney
1Living Cell Technologies (NZ) Ltd, PO Box 23566, Hunters Corner, Papatoetoe, Auckland, New Zealand. sskinner@lctglobal.com
Aim:
To restore motor function and dopaminergic activity in the nigrostriatum of rats with unilateral 6-hydroxy-dopamine lesions using implants of encapsulated porcine choroid plexus cells.
Materials & Methods:
Neonatal porcine choroid plexus cells were prepared and maintained in culture, then encapsulated within alginate-polyornithine capsules (600-660 µm). Rats were unilaterally injected with 6-hydroxy-dopamine into the striatum. Those with lesions verified after 2 and 4 weeks were selected for experiments. Rats were implanted adjacent to the lesion with ten capsules 2-4 days later with (treated, n = 12) or without (control, n = 10) choroid plexus cells.
Results:
The choroid plexus cells were shown to produce a wide range of neurorestorative proteins. The treated group had a 60% improvement in motor behavior compared with the control group (p < 0.01). The treated group also had a significant improvement in nigrostriatal dopaminergic activity (31%, p < 0.02).
Conclusion:
Capsules containing porcine choroid plexus cells release therapeutic molecules that stimulate regeneration of the lesioned nigrostriatum in rats.
