6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) hydrobromide

6-hydroxydopamine hydrobromide (6-OHDA) is widely used to lesion the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system as a model of Parkinson’s disease (6-OHDA lesion model).

6-OHDA is commonly unilaterally administered into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB), substantia nigra or striatum to induce a selective depletion of dopamine neurons to reproduce behavioural deficits seen in Parkinson’s disease. Varying degrees of neurodegeneration occur depending on site of administration.

Unilateral administration of 6-OHDA into one hemisphere (hemiparkinsonian model) permits assessment of a quantifiable turning behaviour which can be correlated with the magnitude of the nigrostriatal lesions. Bilateral 6-OHDA lesion models may also be used.

This compound is very air and light sensitive; exposure to air/light may affect compound performance. We therefore recommend storing the solid material at -20°C in a sealed jar, in the dark and protect from light. As the compound is hygroscopic, dessicate if possible.

Do not store the material in solution; make up solutions and use immediately. Protect from light. Solutions can be prepared using oxygen free water containing 0.1% sodium metabisulfite.