(1. Background)
Parkinson's disease results from a relentless progressive loss of dopamine neurons in the midbrain. ...

(2. More specific)
Considerable evidence suggests that neurotrophic factors which promote the survival or differentiation of developing neurons may also protect mature neurons in vivo. ...

(2. More specific)
Less is known about the ability of trophic factors to protect midbrain dopamine neurons. ...

(3. Aims)
The present study was designed to investigate a possible neuroprotective role for GDNF in rats that receive specific injury to midbrain dopamine neurons by 6-OHDA treatment. ...

(4. Concluding)
Our results demonstrate a significant neuroprotective effect of GDNF pretreatment.