Reduction of anterograde degeneration in brain damaged rats by GM1-gangliosides.

After receiving a nigrostriatal hemitransection in the left hemisphere and an electrolytic caudate nucleus (CN) lesion in the right hemisphere, rats were given intraperitoneal injections of saline or GM1-gangliosides. Significantly smaller areas of terminal degeneration were seen in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) ipsilateral to the caudate lesion of animals treated with GM1. No statistical differences were seen in the number of degenerating terminals in the CN and SNr on the side with the hemitransection. Exogenous GM1 may thus be effective in preventing anterograde degeneration following brain injury.