Fig. 7

The morphology of dopaminergic neurons, number of viable dopaminergic neurons, TH protein level, and the formation of Lewy bodies in substantia nigra of rotenone-induced PD mouse model transduced with NDI1. A The morphology of dopaminergic neurons in the right SNpc was examined using H&E staining. Dopaminergic neurons were indicated with circles. (Scale bar: 50 μm). B The presence of viable dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc (indicated with circles) and VTA (out of circles) was examined using TH immunohistochemistry. Brain sections were stained with TH antibody. TH-positive cells were counted to evaluate viable dopaminergic neurons. Scale bar = 500 μm. C–F Statistical analysis of the number of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the left and right VTA, and in the left and the right SNpc. G TH protein in the SN was examined by western blot using TH antibody with GAPDH as loading control. H, I Quantitative analysis of the TH level in the left and right SN. J The formation of Lewy bodies in dopaminergic neurons of right SNpc was examined by pS129 α-synuclein immunohistochemistry. The arrow showed Lewy body (brown). Rotenone + vector group compared with CMC + vector group, or CMC + NDI1 group compared with CMC + vector group, or Rotenone + NDI1 group compared with Rotenone + vector group, or Rotenone + NDI1 group compared with CMC + vector group, ns not significant, *P < 0.05, ***P < 0.001. SNpc substantia nigra pars compacta, VTA ventral tegmental area, TH tyrosine hydroxylase