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Semi-Quantitative Determination of Dopaminergic Neuron Density in the Substantia Nigra of Rodent Models using Automated Image Analysis
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Aging mildly affects dendritic arborisation and synaptic protein expression in human substantia nigra pars compacta
Aditi Naskar1, Anita Mahadevan2, Mariamma Philip3
1Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India.
Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy
|February 11, 2019
Summary
Aging Asian-Indians show subtle dendritic changes and reduced synaptic proteins in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). These findings suggest mild synaptic transmission anomalies, differing in magnitude from Parkinson
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuropathology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Alpha-synuclein is a key component of Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease (PD) and normally regulates synaptic vesicles.
- Previous studies in Asian-Indians showed age-related increases in soluble alpha-synuclein and activated microglia in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), suggesting sub-threshold neurodegeneration.
- Microglia are known to prune dendrites, prompting an investigation into age-related dendritic alterations in the SNpc.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate age-associated alterations in dendritic arborization in the SNpc of Asian-Indians.
- To assess the expression of synaptic proteins (synaptophysin and synaptotagmin-11) as markers of synaptic transmission anomalies.
- To compare age-related changes in the SNpc with those observed in Parkinson's disease.
Main Methods:
- Autopsied midbrains from Asian-Indians of varying ages were analyzed.
- The Golgi-Kopsch protocol was used to study dendritic arborization in SNpc neurons.
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to evaluate the expression of synaptophysin and synaptotagmin-11.
Main Results:
- A subtle, non-significant decline in dendritic length and intersections was observed with aging.
- These dendritic alterations were milder than those reported in Parkinson's disease.
- Synaptic protein expression shifted from cytoplasmic in the young to membrane-bound or punctate in adults/elderly, with a slight age-related decline, indicating reduced synaptic vesicular traffic.
Conclusions:
- Aging in Asian-Indians is associated with mild dendritic changes and reduced synaptic protein expression in the SNpc.
- These findings suggest a mild age-related decrease in dopamine transmission, potentially leading to minor motor impairments in the elderly.
- Comparing synaptic profiles across different ethnic populations may offer valuable insights into neurodegenerative disease susceptibility.
Keywords:
Asian-IndiansAutopsied human midbrainsGolgi-Kopsch staining for formalin-fixed tissuesParkinson’s diseaseSynaptophysinSynaptotagmin-11More Related Videos
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