Effect of L-10B-p-boronophenylalanine-fructose and the boron neutron capture reaction on mouse brain dopaminergic neurons.

Abstract

Radiation damage to the dopamine tracts caused by enriched L-10B-p-boronophenylalanine (L-10BPA)-fructose and the boron neutron capture reaction was investigated using the mouse model. Following various treatments with L-10BPA and neutron irradiation of the head, the brain was perfusion fixed and removed; 50-microns frozen sections were cut. Dopaminergic neurons were visualized using immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase. The administration of L-10BPA had no permanent effect on dopaminergic tracts. Neutron capture therapy with L-10BPA caused a reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemical activity within 4 h of irradiation, but by 48 h, this reduction reversed. No damage was observed at 120 h postirradiation.