Immunological changes in the MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mouse model

Role of the striatum in the humoral immune response to thymus-independent and thymus-dependent antigens in rats

“…Moreover, bilateral lesions of nigrostriatal pathways induced by systemic injections of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropymidine decrease proliferation of T lymphocytes induced by mitogens or alloantigens [11,12]. These findings suggest that the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system have an immunostimulant effect on humoral and cell-mediated immune response.…”

MPTP-induced central dopamine depletion exacerbates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL mice

“…Studies conducted by Renoux and colleagues, show that MPTP intoxication leads to immune system depression, assayed as a decreased T lymphocyte activation [5]. Bieganowska and colleagues reported that mice treated with MPTP show a depressed proliferation of mitogen-activated lymphocytes in the spleen, and a decreased number of antibody-producing spleen cells [6]. There is evidence that pargyline treatment, which prevents the dopaminergic neuron injury after MPTP intoxication, blocks the described suppression of the immune system [7].…”

Decreased inflammation and augmented expression of trophic factors correlate with MOG-induced neuroprotection of the injured nigrostriatal system in the murine MPTP model of Parkinson's disease

“…Thus MPTP administration did not alter the inducement of the immune reaction and the ability of T cells to invade the CNS. MPTP is not directly toxic to T cells as it has no noxious influence on these cells in culture [23]. The peripheral alteration of T cell populations is no explanation of why fewer CD8+ cells infiltrate the substantia nigra and striatum.…”