Fig. 4.

ODN prevents pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic gene expression in MPTP-treated mice. Quantification of Il-6 (a), Tnf-α (b), Il-1β (c), Bax (d), Caspase-3 (e) and Bcl-2 (f) mRNA levels in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of the mouse brain 7 days after treatment with NaCl (Sham), MPTP (3 × 20 mg/kg), ODN (10 ng/10 µl) and MPTP + ODN. Data were normalized using the GAPDH housekeeping gene as an internal control and the results are expressed as a percentage of control. Data are mean ± SEM obtained from 10 animals and statistical analysis was conducted by ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s test. *P < 0.05 vs saline-treated mice; ^# P < 0.05, ^## P < 0.01 vs MPTP-treated mice