Protective effect of caffeine and/or taurine on the 6-hydroxydopamine-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease: Behavioral and neurochemical evidence

Abstract

Caffeine and taurine, which possess neuro-modulatory activity happen to be consumed together as part of the constituents of energy drinks, could have beneficial effects and prevent neuronal deterioration in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to investigate behavioral and neurochemical effects of these two agents in an animal model of PD at two time points to evaluate possible neuro-protective or neuro-modulatory effects. Stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in rat striatum was used to model PD-like behavior in animals. Motor behavior was assessed by a characteristic rotation behavior response to the apomorphine challenge and dopamine levels in the striatum were quantified using HPLC-ED. A reduction in apomorphine induced rotations following administration of caffeine and/or taurine as compared to the untreated lesioned group (controls) was shown. Significant decreases in dopamine levels were also seen in the ipsilateral side of 6-OHDA group, this effect was not significantly reversed in caffeine and taurine treated groups. Treatments partially restored the content of DA levels in the lesioned striatum. Current results demonstrated beneficial effects for the combination of caffeine and taurine in PD animal model, suggesting that consumption of both agents could be a new added therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease prevention and treatment.