Yan Zhao and Ke-Wei Huang

Abstract:   Background: In order to explain the mechanism for the sparing of the nucleus accumbens in several pathologic conditions, the accumbens, caudate and putamen were examined in an experimental model. Methods: The neurons in these regions from twenty adult rats were stained for the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH-diaphorase) and quantified. Results: Positive neurons in the nucleus accumbens were more abundant than in the caudate and putamen. Conclusions: Since these neurons have been shown to be resistant to ischemia and degeneration, it is suggested that the mechanism for the sparing of the nucleus accumbens is related to the presence of a large number of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons.