Subject Area
Pharmacology
Article Type
Original Study
Abstract
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by motor dysfunctions including tremors, rigidity and bradykinesia. Medications for PD alleviate motor symptoms rather than targeting disease pathogenesis. Recently discovered features of artemisinin suggested that it might be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Objective: to explore the possible neuroprotective effect of artemisinin in different doses in a rotenone-induced model of PD. Materials & methods: Twenty-five mice were randomly divided into five groups: group 1; negative-control, group 2; positive-control, and groups 3&4&5: artemisinin-treated (30, 40 and 50 mg/kg) respectively. For PD induction, rotenone (3mg/Kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally for 42 days (6 weeks). Behavioral assessment (open field & parallel rod tests) was performed twice; after 3 weeks of induction and at the end of the study (after 6 weeks). After scarification, an immunohistochemical analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) was conducted. Results: Artemisinin administration at a dose of (50 mg/kg) produced more pronounced significant protective effects compared with other diseased and treated groups as guided by behavioral assessment tests and immunostaining analysis. Conclusions: Artemisinin showed a promising protective effect in the rotenone-induced PD model. Further research studies are needed to validate this effect.
Recommended Citation
Hamada, Nada M.; Eissa, Hanan; Megahed, Nirmeen; Daba, Mohamed H.; and Elmasry, Ahlam
(2023)
"Potential Neuroprotective Effect of Artemisinin in a Rotenone-induced Mice Model of Parkinson’s Disease,"
Mansoura Medical Journal: Vol. 52
:
Iss.
2
, Article 3.
Available at:
https://doi.org/10.58775/2735-3990.1374
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
