Hassanzadeh K, Rahimmi A, Hassanzadeh K. Effect of N-acetylcysteine on TNF-α Level of Substantia Nigra and Striatum in Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci 2014; 24 (118) :40-48
URL:
http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-4517-en.html
Abstract: (7464 Views)
Background and purpose: Accumulated evidences indicate that the inflammatory pathways
have an important role in both the initiation and progression of Parkinson’s disease. On the other hand the
anti-inflammatory properties of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have been proven in many studies. Therefore,
this study aimed to evaluate the effect of NAC on motor symptoms and TNF-α level of substantia nigra
and striatum in animal model of Parkinson’s disease.
Materials and methods: In order to induce Parkinson’s disease model, male Wistar rats
weighting 400±50g (10-12 months) received rotenone (2.5 mg/kg/48h sc) for 20 days. Pretreatment with
NAC (25 and 50 mg/kg/48h ip) was administered one hour before the rotenone injection. For behavioral
assessment, rotarod test was run in order to measure motor symptoms and certifying the model. The TNF-
α level in substantia nigra and striatum region of brain was determined using ELISA technique.
Results: The results showed that N-acetylcysteine prevented both failure of motor performance
and increasing of TNF-α level.
Conclusion: This study found that N-acetylcysteine prevented the development of rotenone
model of Parkinson’s disease. This effect might be related to the anti-inflammatory characteristics of Nacetylcysteine.