Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
3
pubmed:dateCreated
2006-2-28
pubmed:abstractText
The transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas) regulate the induction of dopaminergic neurons and are elevated in the CSF of Parkinson's patients. We report here that mice with TGF-beta2 haploinsufficiency (TGF-beta2+/-) have subclinical defects in the dopaminergic neurons of their substantia nigra pars compacta. At 6 weeks of age, the TGF-beta2+/- mice had 12% fewer dopaminergic neurons than wild-type littermates. No additional loss of neurons occurred during the next 5 months, although striatal dopamine declined to 70% of normal. The level of 3,4-dihydroxphenylacetic acid was normal in the TGF-beta2+/- mice, indicating that a compensatory mechanism maintains dopamine stimulation of their striatum. The TGF-beta2+/- mice had normal sensitivity to the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, despite having reduced levels of monoamine oxidase-B. These results raise the possibility that people with naturally low levels of TGF-beta2 may have less functional reserve in their nigrostriatal pathway, causing them to be at increased risk of developing Parkinson disease.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Mar
pubmed:issn
0969-9961
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
21
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
568-75
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2006
pubmed:articleTitle
Transforming growth factor beta2 haploinsufficient mice develop age-related nigrostriatal dopamine deficits.
pubmed:affiliation
Neuromuscular Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't