6-OHDA Model Of Parkinson's Disease Research Articles

TNFR1-mediated neuroinflammation is necessary for respiratory deficits observed in 6-hydroxydopamine mouse model of Parkinsońs Disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is characterized by classic motor symptoms related to movement, but PD patients can experience symptoms associated with impaired autonomic function, such as respiratory disturbances. Functional respiratory deficits are known to be associated with brainstem neurodegeneration in the mice model of PD induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Understanding the causes of neuronal death is essential for identifying specific targets to prevent degeneration. Many mechanisms can explain why neurons die in PD, and neuroinflammation is one of them. To test the influence of inflammation, mediated by microglia and astrocytes cells, in the respiratory disturbances associated with brainstem neurons death, we submitted wild-type (WT) and TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) knockout male mice to the 6-OHDA model of PD. Also, male C57BL/6 animals were induced using the same PD model and treated with minocycline (45 mg/kg), a tetracycline antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties. We show that degeneration of brainstem areas such as the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) and the pre-Botzinger Complex (preBotC) were prevented in both protocols. Notably, respiratory disturbances were no longer observed in the animals where inflammation was suppressed. Thus, the data demonstrate that inflammation is responsible for the breathing impairment in the 6-OHDA-induced PD mouse model.

Respiratory Functional and Neuroanatomical Changes in 6‐OHDA Model of Parkinson’s Disease Require Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Receptor 1

Most deaths of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients are due to respiratory complications which appears in the late stages of this disease. Previous studies have shown brainstem degeneration which is probably linked to respiratory function impairment in a rat model of PD induced by 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) injection in caudate‐putamen (CPu). One of the hypotheses that explains why neurons die in this PD model is neuroinflammation mediated by a cytokine called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). So, this study aims to investigate the role of TNF‐α in respiratory functional and neuroanatomical deficits in the animal model of PD induced by 6‐OHDA. C57BL/6 or TNF‐α receptor 1 knockout mice (TNFR1‐/‐) were anesthetized with isoflurane 2.5% and received bilateral injection of 6‐OHDA (10 µg/µl) or vehicle in CPu through stereotaxic surgery. 20 days after surgery, mice were submitted to whole body plethysmography under normal and hypercapnic conditions (7% CO2). Animals were perfused and the brains were removed to neuroanatomical analysis. 6‐OHDA destroyed TH+ neurons in Substantia nigra (SNc) in all groups analyzed (6‐OHDA WT: 77%; 6‐OHDA TNFR1‐/‐: 79%). Degeneration was observed in preBötzinger complex (preBötC) and in retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) in 6‐OHDA WT group, but not in 6‐OHDA TNFR1‐/‐ group (preBötC: 6‐OHDA WT: 43%, 6‐OHDA TNFR1‐/‐: 22%; RTN: 6‐OHDA WT: 52%; 6‐OHDA TNFR1‐/‐: 15%). Astrocyte’s density in SNc is enhanced in 6‐OHDA WT group but not in 6‐OHDA TNFR1‐/‐ group (6‐OHDA WT: 122%) and is reduced in preBötC in all groups analyzed (p<0.05), while in RTN, no change was observed. Microglia analysis indicates neuroinflammation in SNc and RTN in all groups. Respiratory assessment reveals reduction in basal respiratory rate in 6‐OHDA WT group but not in 6‐OHDA TNFR1‐/‐ group (6‐OHDA WT: 25%; 6‐OHDA TNFR1‐/‐: 17%). No change was observed between groups in respiratory parameters under hypercapnia. Considering all results presented here we can state that in this model of PD, respiratory deficits are associated with neurodegeneration in respiratory brainstem areas. Abolishing TNF‐α inflammation pathway, reduction in respiratory rate and degeneration of brainstem areas involved with neural control of breathing are prevented indicating the involvement of this pathway in the respiratory changes found in the 6‐OHDA model of PD.

Parkinson's disease motor symptoms rescue by CRISPRa-reprogramming astrocytes into GABAergic neurons.

Direct reprogramming based on genetic factors resembles a promising strategy to replace lost cells in degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. For this, we developed a knock‐in mouse line carrying a dual dCas9 transactivator system (dCAM) allowing the conditional in vivo activation of endogenous genes. To enable a translational application, we additionally established an AAV‐based strategy carrying intein‐split‐dCas9 in combination with activators (AAV‐dCAS). Both approaches were successful in reprogramming striatal astrocytes into induced GABAergic neurons confirmed by single‐cell transcriptome analysis of reprogrammed neurons in vivo. These GABAergic neurons functionally integrate into striatal circuits, alleviating voluntary motor behavior aspects in a 6‐OHDA Parkinson's disease model. Our results suggest a novel intervention strategy beyond the restoration of dopamine levels. Thus, the AAV‐dCAS approach might enable an alternative route for clinical therapies of Parkinson's disease.

Inhibition of anandamide hydrolysis does not rescue respiratory abnormalities observed in an animal model of Parkinson's disease.

What is the central question of this study? The respiratory frequency to hypercapnia is attenuated in an animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD): what is the therapeutic potential of inhibition of anandamide hydrolysis for this respiratory deficit? What is the main finding and its importance? In an animal model of PD there is an increased variability in resting respiratory frequency and an impaired tachypnoeic response to hypercapnia, which is accompanied by diminished expression of Phox2b immunoreactivity in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). Inhibition of anandamide hydrolysis also impaired the response to hypercapnia and decreased the number of Phox2b immunoreactive cells in the RTN. This strategy does not reverse the respiratory deficits observed in an animal model of PD. Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by severe classic motor symptoms along with various non-classic symptoms. Among the non-classic symptoms, respiratory dysfunctions are increasingly recognized as contributory factors to complications in PD. The endocannabinoid system has been proposed as a target to treat PD and other neurodegenerative disorders. Since symptom management of PD is mainly focused on the classic motor symptoms, in this work we aimed to test the hypothesis that increasing the actions of the endocannabinoid anandamide by inhibiting its hydrolysis with URB597 reverses the respiratory deficits observed in an animal model of PD. Results show that bilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine hydrochloride (6-OHDA) in the dorsal striatum leads to neurodegeneration of the substantia nigra, accompanied by reduced expression of Phox2b in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), an increase in resting respiratory frequency variability and an impaired tachypnoeic response to hypercapnia. URB597 treatment in control animals was associated with an impaired tachypnoeic response to hypercapnia and a reduced expression of Phox2b in the RTN, whereas treatment of 6-OHDA-lesioned animals with URB597 was not able to reverse the deficits observed. These results suggest that targeting anandamide may not be a suitable strategy to treat PD since this treatment mimics the respiratory deficits observed in the 6-OHDA model of PD.

Implantation of human olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells restores locomotion in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

One of the complex neurodegenerative disorders is Parkinson disease (PD). PD is mainly caused by dopaminergic (DAergic) neuron degeneration in the midbrain. The loss of DAergic neurons is considered as a key reason of motor functional defects in PD patients. Cell replacement strategies are considered as an alternative remedy to effectively address neurodegeneration in PD. In this report, we evaluated the restorative effect of human olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs) in rat models of PD. Accordingly, human OE-MSCs were isolated and phenotypically characterized by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. Next, the undifferentiated OE-MSCs were unilaterally transplanted into the striatum of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rat models, followed by molecular and histological analyzes as well as assessment of motor skills. Our results displayed that the grafting of OE-MSCs increased the expression of DAergic markers namely dopamine transporter (DAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), nuclear receptor related-1 (Nurr1) in a 6-OHDA model compared with that of control, detected by immunohistochemical staining and western blot. Moreover, noticeable improvements in motor coordination, muscle activity and locomotor performance were observed in 6-OHDA model of PD following OE-MSCs transplantation. Taken together, our finding indicates that undifferentiated OE-MSCs might be counted as an appropriate source for cell replacement therapy particularly aimed at PD.

FTH1 Inhibits Ferroptosis Through Ferritinophagy in the 6-OHDA Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons associated with dysregulation of iron homeostasis in the brain. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death process that serves as a significant regulatory mechanism in PD. However, its underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. By performing RNA sequencing analysis, we found that the main iron storage protein ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) is differentially expressed in the rat 6-hydroyxdopamine (6-OHDA) model of PD compared with control rats. Our present work demonstrates that FTH1 is involved in iron accumulation and the ferroptosis pathway in this model. Knockdown of FTH1 in PC-12 cells significantly inhibited cell viability and caused mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, FTH1 was found to be involved in ferritinophagy, a selective form of autophagy involving the degradation of ferritin by ferroptosis. Overexpression of FTH1 in PC-12 cells impaired ferritinophagy and downregulated microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 and nuclear receptor coactivator 4 expression, ultimately suppressing cell death induced by ferroptosis. Consistent with these findings, the ferritinophagy inhibitors chloroquine and bafilomycin A1 inhibited ferritin degradation and ferroptosis in 6-OHDA-treated PC-12 cells. This entire process was mediated by the cyclic regulation of FTH1 and ferritinophagy. Taken together, these results suggest that FTH1 links ferritinophagy and ferroptosis in the 6-OHDA model of PD, and provide a new perspective and potential for a pharmacological target in this disease.

Oxidative stress in the medullary respiratory neurons contributes to respiratory dysfunction in the 6-OHDA model of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with respiratory dysfunction. In the 6-OHDA rat model of PD this is seen as a reduction in respiratory frequency and minute ventilation during normoxia and hypercapnia stimulus. Respiratory dysfunction is caused by neuronal death of medullary respiratory nuclei in the 6-OHDA model of PD. Oxidative stress can be considered a strong candidate for neurodegeneration via miR-34c downregulation and pro-apoptotic signalling in respiratory neurons, preceding the functional impairment observed in the 6-OHDA model of PD. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by dopaminergic neuron death in the substantia nigra (SN). New evidence has revealed that this neurodegeneration is the result of complex interactions between genetic abnormalities, environmental toxins, mitochondrial dysfunction and disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the SN. In addition to classic symptoms, PD patients also exhibit respiratory failure. Here, we investigated whether oxidative stress was associated with neurodegeneration in a respiratory group (RG) of 6-OHDA-treated rats, which act as a model of PD. We analysed how oxidative stress affected apoptotic signalling in the RG 30days after 6-OHDA treatment, shortly before commencement of breathing impairment (40days). After 30days, a dihydroethidium assay showed increased oxidative stress in the RG, anti-apoptotic signalling, as shown by an increase in p-Akt and BcL-2 and a decrease in Bax in the caudal aspect of the nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS), and a decrease in p-p38 and Bax levels in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN); pro-apoptotic signalling was indicated by a decrease in p-Akt and BcL-2 and an increase in Bax in the rostral ventral respiratory group (rVRG) and pre-Botzinger complex (preBotC). miR-34c, a known oxidative stress protector, was downregulated in 6-OHDA animals in the RC. After 40days of 6-OHDA, the NTS, rVRG, preBotC and RTN exhibited reduced NeuN immunoreactivity, no BBB disruption and an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactivity. We conclude that in the 6-OHDA model of PD, oxidative stress contributes to neurodegeneration in medullary respiratory neurons.

Orexinergic neurons are involved in the chemosensory control of breathing during the dark phase in a Parkinson's disease model

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra compacta (SNpc) and the only risk factor is aging. We showed that in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-model of PD there is a reduction in the neuronal profile within the brainstem ventral respiratory column with a decrease in the hypercapnic ventilatory response. Here we tested the involvement of orexin cells from the lateral hypothalamus/perifornical area (LH/PeF) on breathing in a 6-OHDA PD model. In this model of PD, there is a reduction in the total number of orexinergic neurons and in the number of orexinergic neurons that project to the RTN, without changing the number of CO2-activated orexinergic neurons during the dark phase. The ventilation at rest and in response to hypercapnia (7% CO2) was assessed in animals that received 6-OHDA or vehicle injections into the striatum and saporin anti-Orexin-B or IgG saporin into the LH/PeF during the sleep and awake states. The experiments showed a reduction of respiratory frequency (fR) at rest during the light phase in PD animals only during sleep. During the dark phase, there was an impaired fR response to hypercapnia in PD animals with depletion of orexinergic neurons in awake and sleeping rats. In conclusion, the degeneration of orexinergic neurons in this model of PD can be related to impaired chemoreceptor function in the dark phase.

Ineffectiveness of saxagliptin as a neuroprotective drug in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats.

To determine whether the drug saxagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor which is utilized for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus, has neuroprotective effects in the animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD) induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in rats. Male Wistar rats (weighing 280-300g) received a bilateral infusion of 6-OHDA in the substantia nigra. Twenty-four hours later, they were treated with saxagliptin (1mg/kg, p.o) once daily, for 21days. The motor function was evaluated using the open field and rotarod (RT) tests. In addition, cognition was assessed with the novel object recognition test (ORT). After the evaluation of the behavioural tests, the animals were transcardially perfused to perform immunohistochemistry staining for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Saxagliptin impaired the memory of animals in the sham group. Saxagliptin treatment did not exhibit neuroprotection and it did not improve the cognitive and motor deficits in the 6-OHDA model of PD. Interestingly, when saxagliptin was administered to the sham animals, a cognitive decline was observed. Therefore, this drug should be investigated as a possible treatment for PTSD.

Agomelatine's effect on circadian locomotor rhythm alteration and depressive-like behavior in 6-OHDA lesioned rats

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients often suffer from circadian locomotor rhythms impairment and depression, important non-motor symptoms. It is known that toxin-based animal models of PD can reproduce these features. In a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) intranigral model, we first investigated the possible disturbances on circadian rhythms of locomotor activity. The rats were divided into 6-OHDA and Sham groups. After a partial dopaminergic lesion, the 6-OHDA group showed slight alterations in different circadian locomotor rhythms parameters. In a second experiment, we hypothesized agomelatine, an melatoninergic antidepressant with potential to resynchronize disturbed rhythms, could prevent neuronal damage and rhythm alterations in the same 6-OHDA model. The animals were divided into four groups: 6-OHDA+vehicle, 6-OHDA+ago, Sham+vehicle and 6-OHDA+ago. However, the treated animals (agomelatine 50 mg/kg for 22 days) showed an impaired rhythm robustness, and agomelatine did not induce significant changes in the other circadian parameters nor neuroprotection. Finally, in a third experiment, we examined the effects of agomelatine in the 6-OHDA model regarding depressive-like behavior, evaluated by sucrose preference test. The animals were also divided into four groups: 6-OHDA+vehicle, 6-OHDA+ago, Sham+vehicle and 6-OHDA+ago. The toxin infused animals showed a decrease in sucrose preference in comparison with the vehicle infused animals, however, agomelatine did not prevent this decrease. Our findings indicate that agomelatine worsened circadian locomotor rhythm and was not able to reverse the depressive-like behavior of rats in the 6-OHDA PD model.

The involvement of the pathway connecting the substantia nigra, the periaqueductal gray matter and the retrotrapezoid nucleus in breathing control in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a reduction in the number of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra (SNpc), accompanied by motor and non-motor deficiencies such as respiratory failure. Here, our aim was to investigate possible neuronal communications between the SNpc and chemoreceptor neurons within the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), in order to explain neurodegeneration and the loss of breathing function in the 6-OHDA PD animal model. Male Wistar rats received tracer injections in the SNpc, RTN and periaqueductal gray (PAG) regions to investigate the projections between those regions. The results showed that neurons of the SNpc project to the RTN by an indirect pathway that goes through the PAG region. In different groups of rats, reductions in the density of neuronal markers (NeuN) and the number of catecholaminergic varicosities in PAG, as well as reductions in the number of CO2-activated PAG neurons with RTN projections, were observed in a 6-OHDA model of PD. Physiological experiments showed that inhibition of the PAG by bilateral injection of muscimol did not produce resting breathing disturbances but instead reduced genioglossus (GGEMG) and abdominal (AbdEMG) muscle activity amplitude induced by hypercapnia in control rats that were urethane-anesthetized, vagotomized, and artificially ventilated. However, in a model of PD, we found reductions in resting diaphragm muscle activity (DiaEMG) and GGEMG frequencies, as well as in hypercapnia-induced DiaEMG, GGEMG and AbdEMG frequencies and GGEMG and AbdEMG amplitudes. Therefore, we can conclude that there is an indirect pathway between neurons of the SNpc and RTN that goes through the PAG and that there is a defect of this pathway in an animal model of PD.

A novel selective MAO-B inhibitor with neuroprotective and anti-Parkinsonian properties

We previously reported that 1,3-bisbenzylimidazolium (DBZIM) bromide was neuroprotective for the dopaminergic system in Parkinson's disease (PD) models of rodent, however the underlying mechanism was unclear. We currently further confirmed that DBZIM ameliorated the Parkinsonian motor deficit and protected the nigrostriatal tract from the neurotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-(2'-methylphenyl)−1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (2'-CH3-MPTP) in C57Bl/6 mice. The dopaminergic degeneration in the substantia nigra par compacta (SNc) and striatum was analyzed by immunohistochemistry while the monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibition effect of DBZIM was determined by enzyme kinetics. DBZIM was at least as effective as the clinically approved anti-PD drug, l-deprenyl (Selegiline), for both neuroprotection and correction of motor deficits. Mechanistically, DBZIM inhibited the specific activity of MAO-B in the striatum and C6 cells without affecting the protein expression. DBZIM directly inhibited the enzymatic activity of a purified MAO-B protein with an estimated Ki value from 780 to 940nM, in par with that of l-deprenyl (970nM). The physical interaction between DBZIM and MAO-B was proven by NMR analysis, with Kd around 21.5–46.8μM. Our binding and modelling data further illustrated that DBZIM is a mixed inhibitor with its binding to active site partially hindering the substrate binding. Therefore, inhibiting MAO-B is a major mechanism through which DBZIM confers neuroprotection for the dopaminergic neurons against 2'-CH3-MPTP toxicity. Remarkably, the post-lesion treatment with DBZIM provided greater anti-parkinsonian and neuroprotective effects than the l-deprenyl. The current study, together with our previous findings in a 6-OHDA PD model, demonstrated that DBZIM is a promising neuroprotectant for PD with anti-MAO-B property.

Treadmill Exercise Prevents Increase of Neuroinflammation Markers Involved in the Dopaminergic Damage of the 6-OHDA Parkinson's Disease Model.

Parkinson's disease (PD) involves loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN), which can be correlated to neuroinflammatory changes with the aging of the nervous system. On the other hand, exercise can reduce the deleterious effects promoted by age, but the mechanism involved is still unclear. This study investigated the preventive exercise-induced changes on neuroinflammatory processes in a rat model of PD induced by unilateral striatal injections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Adult male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: (1) sedentary (SED) or (2) exercised (EX), animals that did treadmill exercise three times per week, every other day, for 4weeks prior to 6-OHDA or saline injection. The rats were then divided into four sub-groups: (1) sedentary saline (SED), (2) sedentary 6-OHDA (SED + 6-OHDA), (3) exercised saline (EX), and (4) exercised 6-OHDA (EX + 6-OHDA). Seven and 30days after surgery, brains were collected for immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting for dopaminergic and neuroinflammatory markers into SN and striatum. The SED + 6-OHDA animals presented an increase in the astrocyte, microglial, and oxidative species activation. On the other hand, EX + 6-OHDA animals did not present neuroinflammatory responses and performed better apormorphine test. Our data suggest that treadmill exercise throughout life can markedly reduce the chances of dopamine decrease, reinforcing studies that showed a lower incidence of Parkinson's disease in patients who were active during life.

Neuroprotective effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the 6-OHDA model of Parkinson's disease is mediated by a reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase

Objective: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by deterioration of the nigrostriatal system and associated with chronic neuroinflammation. Glial activation has been associated with regulating the survival of dopaminergic neurons and is thought to contribute to PD through the release of proinflammatory and neurotoxic factors, such as reactive nitric oxide (NO) that triggers or exacerbates neurodegeneration in PD. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exert protective effects, including antiinflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant activity, and may be promising for delaying or preventing PD by attenuating neuroinflammation and preserving dopaminergic neurons. The present study investigated the effects of fish oil supplementation that was rich in PUFAs on dopaminergic neuron loss, the density of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-immunoreactive cells, and microglia and astrocyte reactivity in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and striatal dopaminergic fibers.Methods: The animals were supplemented with fish oil for 50 days and subjected to unilateral intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced lesions as a model of PD.Results: Fish oil mitigated the loss of SNpc neurons and nerve terminals in the striatum that was caused by 6-OHDA. This protective effect was associated with reductions of the density of iNOS-immunoreactive cells and microglia and astrocyte reactivity.Discussion: These results suggest that the antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of fish oil supplementation are closely related to a decrease in dopaminergic damage that is caused by the 6-OHDA model of PD.

Sesamin imparts neuroprotection against intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine toxicity by inhibition of astroglial activation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders in elders. Sesamin is a lignan compound and the active constituent of sesame oil with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was carried out to explore the mechanisms underlying sesamin effect against unilateral striatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of PD. Intrastriatal 6-OHDA-lesioned rats were pretreated with sesamin at doses of 10 or 20mg/kg/day for one week. Sesamin at a dose of 20mg/kg attenuated motor imbalance in narrow beam test, lowered striatal level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, lowered striatal caspase 3 activity and α-synuclein expression, attenuated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity, depressed nigral neuronal apoptosis, and prevented damage of dopaminergic neurons using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry. These findings reveal the reversal effect of sesamin in 6-OHDA model of PD via attenuation of apoptosis, astrogliosis, oxidative stress, and down-regulation of α-synuclein.

Anti-Inflammatory Modulation of Microglia via CD163-Targeted Glucocorticoids Protects Dopaminergic Neurons in the 6-OHDA Parkinson's Disease Model.

Increasing evidence supports a decisive role for inflammation in the neurodegenerative process of Parkinson's disease (PD). The immune response in PD seems to involve, not only microglia, but also other immune cells infiltrated into the brain. Indeed, we observed here the infiltration of macrophages, specifically CD163+ macrophages, into the area of neurodegeneration in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) PD model. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic potential of the infiltrated CD163+ macrophages to modulate local microglia in the brain to achieve neuroprotection. To do so, we designed liposomes targeted for the CD163 receptor to deliver dexamethasone (Dexa) into the CD163+ macrophages in the 6-OHDA PD model. Our data show that a fraction of the CD163-targeted liposomes were carried into the brain after peripheral intravenous injection. The 6-OHDA-lesioned rats that received repeated intravenous CD163-targeted liposomes with Dexa for 3 weeks exhibited better motor performance than the control groups and had minimal glucocorticoid-driven side effects. Furthermore, these animals showed better survival of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra and an increased number of microglia expressing major histocompatibility complex II. Therefore, rats receiving CD163-targeted liposomes with Dexa were partially protected against 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration, which correlated with a distinctive microglia response. Altogether, our data support the use of macrophages for the modulation of brain neurodegeneration and specifically highlight the potential of CD163-targeted liposomes as a therapeutic tool in PD. The immune response now evident in the progression of Parkinson's disease comprises both local microglia and other immune cells. We provide evidence that CD163+ macrophages can be a target to modulate brain immune response to achieve neuroprotection in the 6-hydroxydopamine model. To do so, we targeted the CD163+ population, which to a low but significant extent infiltrated in the neurodegenerating area of the brain. Specially designed liposomes targeted for the CD163 receptor were loaded with glucocorticoids and injected peripherally to modify the infiltrated CD163 cells toward an anti-inflammatory profile. This modification of the CD163 population resulted in a distinctive microglial response that correlated with decreased dopaminergic cell death and better motor performance.

Agmatine Protects Against 6-OHDA-Induced Apoptosis, and ERK and Akt/GSK Disruption in SH-SY5Y Cells.

6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a metabolite of dopamine is known to induce dopaminergic cell toxicity which makes that a suitable agent inducing an experimental model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Agmatine has been shown to protect against some cellular and animal PD models. This study was aimed to assess whether agmatine prevents 6-OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cell death and if yes, then how it affects Akt/glycogen synthesis kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) signals. The cells were treated with different drugs, and their viability was examined via MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and morphological observation. Western blot studies were done to assess cleaved caspase-3, Akt/GSK-3β, and ERK proteins. 6-OHDA-induced cell death and caspase-3 cleavage, while agmatine prevented those changes. 6-OHDA also decreased the amount of phosphorylated Akt (pAkt)/Akt while increased GSK-3β activity which was prevented by agmatine. Additionally, this toxin increased pERK/ERK ratio which was averted again by agmatine. The PI3/Akt inhibitor, LY294002, impeded the changes induced by agmatine, while ERK inhibitor (PD98059) did not disturb the effects of agmatine, and by itself, it preserved the cells against 6-OHDA toxicity. This study revealed that agmatine is protective in 6-OHDA model of PD and affects Akt/GSK-3β and ERK pathways.

Baroreflex impairment in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibit motor and non‐motor symptoms. Among non‐motor symptoms, the cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is frequently. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether in a model of PD induced by injection of the toxin 6‐hydroxy‐dopamine (6‐OHDA) into the striatum was able to produce changes in the baroreflex as well as in neurons in brainstem areas enrolled in cardiovascular control. Wistar rats (300‐320 g, n = 5) received bilateral injections of 6‐OHDA or vehicle into the striatum. After 60 days,baroreflex was assessed by determining the heart rate (HR) responses to ramped infusions of phenylephrine (PE) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)induced mean arterial pressure (MAP) changes. After, the rats were anesthetized for brain perfusion and processed for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the transcription factor Phox2b immunoreactive. PE produced a similar increased in MAP in 6‐OHDA and control groups. However, the bradycardia was blunted in 6‐OHDA (D = ‐7.5±0.5 to ‐62±6 vs. vehicle: ‐29.5±1.2 to ‐148.5±9.8 bpm). In 6‐OHDA, the SNP produced a smaller decrease in MAP (Δ = ‐18±2.6 to ‐24.5±0.8 vs. vehicle: ‐60.3±2 to ‐96.5±1.9 mmHg) and a smaller increase in HR (Δ = 34.75±3.4 to 59.5±7.8 vs. vehicle: 61±7.8 to 101.3±6 bpm). Ocurred a reduction in TH neurons in the substantia nigra (85%), in the C1 regions (70%) and in the Phox2b+ neurons in the NTS (48%). We observed an impairment of baroreflex sensitivity in the 6‐OHDA model of PD, which could be correlated with a reduction in the neuronal cytoarchitecture of brainstem regions involved in cardiovascular controlFinancial support: FAPESP, CNPq, CAPES/PROEX

Striatal Injury with 6-OHDA Transiently Increases Cerebrospinal GFAP and S100B.

Both glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100B have been used as markers of astroglial plasticity, particularly in brain injury; however, they do not necessarily change in the same time frame or direction. Herein, we induced a Parkinson's disease (PD) model via a 6-OHDA intrastriatal injection in rats and investigated the changes in GFAP and S100B using ELISA in the substantia nigra (SN), striatum, and cerebrospinal fluid on the 1st, 7th, and 21st days following the injection. The model was validated using measurements of rotational behaviour induced by methylphenidate and tyrosine hydroxylase in the dopaminergic pathway. To our knowledge, this is the first measurement of cerebrospinal fluid S100B and GFAP in the 6-OHDA model of PD. Gliosis (based on a GFAP increase) was identified in the striatum, but not in the SN. We identified a transitory increment of cerebrospinal fluid S100B and GFAP on the 1st and 7th days, respectively. This initial change in cerebrospinal fluid S100B was apparently related to the mechanical lesion. However, the 6-OHDA-induced S100B secretion was confirmed in astrocyte cultures. Current data reinforce the idea that glial changes precede neuronal damage in PD; however, these findings also indicate that caution is necessary regarding the interpretation of data in this PD model.

Anti-inflammatory therapy via CD163-macrophages in the 6-OHDA Parkinson's disease model

Anti-inflammatory therapy via CD163-macrophages in the 6-OHDA Parkinson's disease model