Neuroprotective effects of resveratrol on MPTP-induced neuron loss mediated by free radical scavenging

J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Aug 27;56(16):6910-3. doi: 10.1021/jf8007212. Epub 2008 Jul 11.

Abstract

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol and possesses many biological functions such as anti-inflammatory activity and protection against atherosclerosis and myocardial infraction. Parkinson's disease is a common progressive neurodegenerative disease. 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is the most useful neurotoxin to induce Parkinsonism. The present study was carried out to elucidate the neuroprotective effect and possible mechanism of resveratrol on MPTP-induced striatal neuron loss. Sixty adult Balb/c mice were divided into four groups: sham operation, MPTP treatment (30 mg/kg, i.p.), MPTP combined with resveratrol administration (20 mg/kg, i.v.), and resveratrol treatment alone. Microdialysis and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to analyze dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) that reflected the hydroxyl radical level. In the present study, we found MPTP chronic administration significantly induced motor coordination impairment in mice. After MPTP administration, the hydroxyl radical levels in substantia nigra were also significantly elevated and animals displayed severe neuronal loss. Resveratrol administration significantly protected mice from MPTP-induced motor coordination impairment, hydroxyl radical overloading, and neuronal loss. Our results demonstrated that resveratrol could elicit neuroprotective effects on MPTP-induced Parkinsonism through free radical scavenging.

MeSH terms

  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine / administration & dosage*
  • Animals
  • Ataxia / chemically induced
  • Ataxia / prevention & control
  • Corpus Striatum / cytology
  • Free Radical Scavengers / pharmacology*
  • Hand Strength
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Neurons / drug effects*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / chemically induced
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / prevention & control
  • Resveratrol
  • Stilbenes / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Stilbenes
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • Resveratrol