Effects of chronic infusion of nerve growth factor (NGF) in rats with nucleus basalis magnocellularis lesion

We attempted to evaluate the effects of bilateral injection of ibotenic acid (IA) into the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (nbm) of rats as well as the potential recovery mediated by the infusion of nerve growth factor (NGF). The lesion caused an impairment of learning and memory processes. Also, a severe depletion of choline acetyl transferase activity was detected in cortical areas. After the NGF administration, a significant reversion of these functional changes was observed. Thus, IA-lesioned rats might serve as a model for the evaluation of neurotrophic factors actions on basal forebrain damaged neurons.