Background aims. Rotenone is a widely used insecticide has a neurodegenerative effect on the dopaminergic cells of substantia nigra (SN) of midbrain producing Parkinsonism. The aim of this study is to study the effects of rotenone when injected subcutaneously on the dopaminergic cells of the substantia nigra of the midbrain.
Methods.The effects of rotenone on the SN of midbrain and the were determinedhistopathologically, immunohistochemically, and by transmission electron microscopy. Results. Subcutaneous rotenone produced Parkinsonism through producing degeneration of the dopaminergic cells of SN of the midbrain. Conclusion. These results indicate that, rotenone has a neurodegenerative effect on the dopaminergic cells of the substantia nigra of the midbrain producing parkinsonism.