Neurodegeneration prevented by lentiviral vector delivery of GDNF in primate models of Parkinson's disease

J. H. Kordower, M. E. Emborg, J. Bloch, S. Y. Ma, Y. Chu, L. Leventhal, J. McBride, E. Y. Chen, S. Palfi, B. Z. Roitberg, W. D. Brown, J. E. Holden, R. Pyzalski, M. D. Taylor, P. Carvey, Z. Ling, D. Trono, P. Hantraye, N. Deglon, P. Aebischer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1178 Scopus citations

Abstract

Lentiviral delivery of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (lenti-GDNF) was tested for its trophic effects upon degenerating nigrostriatal neurons in nonhuman primate models of Parkinson's disease (PD). We injected lenti-GDNF into the striatum and substantia nigra of nonlesioned aged rhesus monkeys or young adult rhesus monkeys treated 1 week prior with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Extensive GDNF expression with anterograde and retrograde transport was seen in all animals. In aged monkeys, lenti-GDNF augmented dopaminergic function. In MPTP-treated monkeys, lenti-GDNF reversed functional deficits and completely prevented nigrostriatal degeneration. Additionally, lenti-GDNF injections to intact rhesus monkeys revealed long-term gene expression (8 months). In MPTP-treated monkeys, lenti-GDNF treatment reversed motor deficits in a hand-reach task. These data indicate that GDNF delivery using a lentiviral vector system can prevent nigrostriatal degeneration and induce regeneration in primate models of PD and might be a viable therapeutic strategy for PD patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)767-773
Number of pages7
JournalScience
Volume290
Issue number5492
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 27 2000
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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