Selective destruction of dopaminergic neurons by low concentrations of 6-OHDA and MPP+:: protection by acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)

We optimized a mesencephalic cell culture system to employ low concentrations of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and 1-methyl-4 phenylpyrdium (MPP+), neurotoxins known to trigger oxidative stress in dopaminergic cells. Both 6-OHDA and MPP+ at 5 muM reproducibly reduced the survivial of dopaminergic neurons by 50-70% (p < 0.02) without affecting the survival of the non-dopaminergic neuronal population. We found that I mM of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), significantly (p < 0.05) increased the survival of dopaminergic neurons exposed to either neurotoxin. The mechanisms underlying neuroprotection by ASA may be of therapeutic import in Parkinson's disease. C 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.