KATP channels control the differential vulnerability of dopaminergic midbrain neurons in a chronic MPTP-model of Parkinson's disease

The selective and progressive degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) midbrain neurons, in particular within the substantia nigra (SN), is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) and its animal models. DA neurons in the neighbouring ventral tegmental area (VTA) are significantly less affected. The molecular mechanisms for this differential vulnerability of DA subpopulations are unknown. We have previously shown that acute inhibition of the mitochondrial complex I – in in vitro mouse brain slices – selectively inhibited the electrical activity of a subpopulation of DA neurons. These responsive DA neurons expressed a par…