Trophic effects of selegiline on cultured dopaminergic neurons

Trophic effects of the neuroprotective agent selegiline on cultured dopaminergic neurons were investigated and compared with the effects produced by brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Both treatments increased the total length of TH-positive neurites, but selegiline increased the average length of neuritic branches, whereas BDNF increased the formation of new branches. This trophic effect of selegiline may contribute to its action in neurodegenerative disease treatment.