Systemic administration of 3-NP leads to a progressive and selective degeneration in the striatum. Cresyl violet staining was performed on brain sections from control and 3-NP-treated rats. A, Low magnification showing the selective loss of cells in the striatum at day 5. B, High magnification of cresyl violet staining in the DL and DM parts of the striatum. Note the progressive cell loss in the DL striatum on 3-NP treatment when compared with the DM striatum.Inset, Fragmented nucleus displaying apoptotic bodies.VL, Ventrolateral; VM, ventromedial.