Effects of microencapsulated monosialoganglioside GM1 on cholinergic neurons

The preparation, physical characterization and effects of microcapsules containing the monosialoganglioside GM1 in an in vivo rat model are described herewith. Several preparations of microcapsules were obtained differing in physical and chemical properties. Human serum albumin (HSA) microcapsules with or without GM1 are spherical in shape, have a consistent particle size (8-10 microns in diameter) and are devoid of large pores. In agreement with our previous work, we now provide further evidence that GM1 can prevent shrinkage and the decrease of choline acetyltransferase activity in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) of the rat following a unilateral cortical lesion. In the present study we examined the effect of microencapsulated GM1 in this in vivo rat model. Local application of HSA-microencapsulated GM1 (in doses comparable to those obtained by i.c.v. administration) onto the surface of the lesioned cortex prevents both the biochemical and morphological degenerative changes in the NBM of rats with unilateral devascularizing cortical lesions. The results from these studies show that microencapsulated GM1 can be applied successfully and a prolonged controlled release of this drug obtained, thus avoiding surgical implantation of a cannula.