Objective: The present study evaluated the antiparkinsonian effects of an extract of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seeds that contain 12.5 % L-DOPA, as compared to equivalent doses of LDOPA. Moreover, the neuroprotective efficacy of MP and its potential reinforcing properties were evaluated. Background: MP has long been used in Indian ayurvedic medicine in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, however, no systematic preclinical studies are available to date. Methods: Investigation of the effect of MP on motor deficits, was performed in rats unilaterally lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine (6- OHDA). Moreover, MP effects were evaluated on tacrine-induced jaw movement, a test reproducing parkinsonian tremor and in the place-preference test to study the reinforcing potential. Finally, MP was administred in association with a subchronic MPTP protocol to assessed its neuroprotective potential. Results: The results obtained reveal how acute administration of MP (16 mg/kg containing 2 mg/kg of L-DOPA) consistently antagonized the deficit in latency of step initiation and adjusting step induced by 6-OHDA, whereas L-DOPA was equally effective only at doses of 6 mg/kg. MP (16 mg/kg) significantly improved placement of the forelimb in vibrissae-evoked forelimb placing. In the turning behavior test and in the induction of AIMs, MP (48 mg/kg containing 6 mg/kg of L-DOPA) acutely induced a significantly higher contralateral turning behavior than L-DOPA (6 mg/kg). Subchronic MP (48 mg/kg) and L-DOPA (6 mg/kg) induced sensitization of contralateral turning behavior; however, L-DOPA alone induced a sensitization in AIMs. MP (48 mg/kg) was also effective in antagonizing tremulous jaw movements induced by tacrine. Furthermore, MP induced no compartment preference in the place preference test. Finally, MP did not prevent either MPTP-induced tyrosine hydroxylase decrease or astroglial or microglial activation supporting the absence of neuroprotective effects by MP. Conclusions: Characterization of MP extract strongly support its antiparkinsonian activity, however, MP extract does not show neuroprotective properties in MPTP model of PD.
Symptomatic efficacy of mucuna pruriens seed extract in rodent model of Parkinson's disease
BALLERO, MAURO;
2009-01-01
Abstract
Objective: The present study evaluated the antiparkinsonian effects of an extract of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seeds that contain 12.5 % L-DOPA, as compared to equivalent doses of LDOPA. Moreover, the neuroprotective efficacy of MP and its potential reinforcing properties were evaluated. Background: MP has long been used in Indian ayurvedic medicine in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, however, no systematic preclinical studies are available to date. Methods: Investigation of the effect of MP on motor deficits, was performed in rats unilaterally lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine (6- OHDA). Moreover, MP effects were evaluated on tacrine-induced jaw movement, a test reproducing parkinsonian tremor and in the place-preference test to study the reinforcing potential. Finally, MP was administred in association with a subchronic MPTP protocol to assessed its neuroprotective potential. Results: The results obtained reveal how acute administration of MP (16 mg/kg containing 2 mg/kg of L-DOPA) consistently antagonized the deficit in latency of step initiation and adjusting step induced by 6-OHDA, whereas L-DOPA was equally effective only at doses of 6 mg/kg. MP (16 mg/kg) significantly improved placement of the forelimb in vibrissae-evoked forelimb placing. In the turning behavior test and in the induction of AIMs, MP (48 mg/kg containing 6 mg/kg of L-DOPA) acutely induced a significantly higher contralateral turning behavior than L-DOPA (6 mg/kg). Subchronic MP (48 mg/kg) and L-DOPA (6 mg/kg) induced sensitization of contralateral turning behavior; however, L-DOPA alone induced a sensitization in AIMs. MP (48 mg/kg) was also effective in antagonizing tremulous jaw movements induced by tacrine. Furthermore, MP induced no compartment preference in the place preference test. Finally, MP did not prevent either MPTP-induced tyrosine hydroxylase decrease or astroglial or microglial activation supporting the absence of neuroprotective effects by MP. Conclusions: Characterization of MP extract strongly support its antiparkinsonian activity, however, MP extract does not show neuroprotective properties in MPTP model of PD.
I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
