- We are highlighting a recent publication:
Nazmuddin M et al. (2025) Stereotactic lesioning of cholinergic cells by injection of ME20.4 Saporin in the nucleus basalis of Meynert in a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 85(1):58-70. doi: 10.1093/jnen/nlaf081 PMID: 40673943 - Cholinergic degeneration in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) is linked to cognitive impairment and gait dysfunction in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The idea of modeling cholinergic degeneration in an animal model could provide opportunities to study the physiological role of the NBM and lead to new therapeutics.
- The authors used a custom-designed cranial chamber implanted to the skull of rhesus monkeys to guide the injection of ME20.4-SAP (IT-15) to deplete cholinergic neurons in the NBM.
- After injection, the effects were monitored in vivo using positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), which essentially uses small amounts of a radioactive tracer and a special camera and computer to evaluate organ and tissue functions.
- Through this work, the authors described an approach that yielded reliable spatial accuracy and delivery of ME20.4-SAP into the NBM.
- In conclusion, the selective lesioning of cholinergic neurons in the NBM via ME20.4-SAP offers a promising method to study the pathophysiology of NBM degeneration which can hopefully fuel efforts in creating new therapeutics.
- 20% off your order of our NGFR targeted toxins, ME20.4-SAP (IT-15), mu p75-SAP (IT-16), or 192-IgG-SAP (IT-01).
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