Experimental study on praxiology and dopaminergic neurons morphology in substantia nigra pars compacta lesioned rats

Objective To observe the characteristics of praxiology and morphology of 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA) lesioned rats and the relation between them. Methods Rats received a unilateral injection of 6-OHDA into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Behavioral changes and dopaminergic degeneration were observed with the open-field test,HE and Nissl staining,eletromicroscopic and immunocytochemistry methods at 1d,3d,5d,7d,14d,21d after lesion. Results The number of dopaminergic neurons decresesed gradually in the lessioned site and its electromicroscopic structure was severe by degrees. All parameters of open-field test except grooming had a notable alternation 1d after lesion (P 0.05). The correlational analyses yielded a positive relationship between turning and lesion size (r=0.471,P 0.01),while scanning、rearing and locomotor activity were negatively correlated with lesion size (r=-0.719,r=-0.589,r=-0.594,P 0.01). Conclusion Dopaminergic neurons deletion makes the foundation of behavioral changes in 6-OHDA lesioned rats. The open-field test is useful to predict lesion size.