Iron(III) chloride injection increases nigral uric acid in guinea-pig

The present study was carried out to determine if iron chloride (FeCl3) injections into the substantia nigra of guinea-pigs produced changes in nigro-striatal uric acid levels. Two-weeks following unilateral injection of FeCl3 (185 nmol Fe3+), ipsilateral uric acid levels were increased 176% over contralateral levels in the substantia nigra. No effect on striatal uric acid levels was observed. Iron chloride injection produced a 74% depletion of dopamine levels in the ipsilateral striatum. Ipsilateral/contralateral ratios were significantly decreased for striatal dopamine and significantly increased for nigral uric acid when compared with saline-injected controls. The results of this work indicate that FeCl3 injections into the substantia nigra of guinea-pigs produce a significant, localized increase in tissue uric acid levels two weeks after treatment.