Effects of age on GM1 ganglioside-induced recovery of concentrations of dopamine in the striatum in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated mice.

The effect of GM1 ganglioside on the recovery of concentrations of dopamine (DA) in the striatum, following administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), was studied in mice of various ages. At the start of the study, the mice were 8 weeks, 6, 12 and 20 months old. Mice from each age group received MPTP for 5 days, followed by either GM1 ganglioside or saline for 4 or 8 weeks. Animals older than 8 weeks, that did not receive GM1 showed no spontaneous recovery of striatal levels of DA in the striatum, over either 4 or 8 weeks. Animals that received GM1 showed varied amounts of recovery of levels of DA in the striatum. The young animals (8 wk old) had the most pronounced effect from GM1. With increasing age, the magnitude of the effect of GM1 became attenuated and recovery had a longer latency. The results suggest that GM1 can be effective in at least partially restoring MPTP-depleted levels of DA in the striatum, even in aged mice.