In the 6-OHDA induced PD rat model, microglia activation, L-ferritin and iron deposits were found to be co-localized in the SN.205 Specifically, only activated microglia can synthesize Lf, which is able to bind with iron and protect vulnerable dopaminergic neurons, and an increase in iron overload could enhance the release of Lf by activated microglia.92,296,297. The gene discussed is LTF; the disease is Parkinson disease.