[Autophagy is involved in 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic cell death].

OBJECTIVE To study the role of autophagy in the death of dopaminergic neurons induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). METHODS Rat models of Parkinson disease (PD) were established by stereotaxic administration of 6-OHDA (8 μg) into the unilateral substantia nigra par compact (SNpc). Autophagosomes in the SNpc were observed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the expression of autophagy-related protein LC3 was determined with immunofluorescence (IF) assay. RESULTS Under TEM, the autophagosomes were found in the ipsilateral SNpc 6-24 h after 6-OHDA injection, which suggested the activation of autophagy. IF assay showed significantly increased LC3 expression in 6-OHDA-damaged TH-positive neurons as compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS The increase of autophagosomes and activation of autophagy may play a role in dopaminergic neuron death induced by 6-OHDA.