Bacterial melanin increases electrical activity of neurons in Substantia Nigra pars compacta

Bacterial melanin (BM) has been used in different series of experiments as a neuroprotector. It facilitates recovery and regeneration processes after CNS lesions. The action of BM after Substantia Nigra destruction is of major interest. Electrophysiological study tries to reveal the effects of this substance on the electrical activity of Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNc) neurons. The substance significantly increases the firing rate of SN cdopaminergic neurons. BM increases the rate of excitatory responses after high frequency tetanic stimulation of ipsilateral caudate–putamen. Overall increase in firing rate of SN neurons can contribute to recovery processes after neuronal degeneration in SN.