Analysis of inflammation-related nigral degeneration and locomotor function in DJ-1 −/− mice

Abstract

Our studies indicate that DJ-1-/- mice do not display increased vulnerability to inflammation-related nigral degeneration in contrast to what has been reported for 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrindine. We conclude that either DJ-1 does not have a critical role in protecting DA neurons against inflammation-induced oxidative stress and/or there is compensatory gene expression in the midbrain of DJ-1-/- mice that renders them resistant to the cytotoxic effects triggered by chronic peripheral inflammation.