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Ascorbic acid increases the number of dopamine neurons in vitro and in transplants to the 6-OHDA-lesioned rat brain.

This seminal publication established a role for ascorbic acid (vitamin C) not only in the preferential survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, but also in the differentiation of new neurons in vitro. In addition we were the first to show vitamin C could increase survival of dopamine neurons in transplants, therefore constituting a key supplement that can be added to cell transplant preparations in future clinical trials. This work contributed to a successful PhD award for Dr Bagga and supported his application to study Medicine. He is now a qualified clinician and aims to develop an academic career in clinical neuroscience.