Neuroprotection and restoration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in 6-OHDA lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease: Role of GDNF and TGF expressing Zuckerkandl's organ

Zuckerkandl’s organ (ZK) is an extra adrenal para-ganglion and has the ability to express glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and transforming growth factor (TGF). It is also a source of dopamine and norepinephrine. In the present study, the neuroprotective and restorative potential of ZK was studied by transplanting it into the striatum of adult rats either before or after the intracerebral 6-OHDA administrations. Animals were analyzed to see the neuroprotection and restoration using neurobehavioral, neurochemical and immunohistochemical parameters at 12 weeks post-transplantation. In protective experiment, 6-OHDA lesioned rats receiving ZK before lesioning exhibited significant neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons.