依达拉奉对6-OHDA诱导的帕金森病大鼠黑质纹状体神经元的保护作用

目的探讨依达拉奉对6-羟基多巴胺(6-OHDA)诱导的帕金森病(PD)大鼠模型的神经保护作用及其作用机制。方法用6-OHDA制备SD大鼠PD模型,观察依达拉奉对PD模型大鼠行为学改变、酪氨酸羟化酶(TH)阳性细胞数和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、羟自由基(.OH)的影响。结果依达拉奉呈剂量依赖性减少阿朴吗啡(APO)诱发的大鼠PD模型旋转次数(P<0.01);依达拉奉(3mg/kg×14d,×28d)可阻止模型大鼠TH阳性细胞的减少,增加大鼠黑质纹状体SOD含量(P<0.05),降低.OH含量。结论依达拉奉增加大鼠黑质纹状体SOD含量,降低.OH含量,对6-OHDA诱导的PD动物模型具有神经保护作用。     

维生素B_5对全饥饿大鼠脑组织脂质过氧化的动态变化及保护作用

目的观察维生素B5(泛酸)对全饥饿大鼠脑脂质过氧化产物丙二醛(MDA)、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的动态变化及保护作用。方法以饥饿昆明大鼠为模型,灌胃补充维生素B5,观察大鼠饥饿后不同时期脑MDA、GSH、GSH-Px及SOD的变化。结果饥饿后大鼠脑MDA含量明显升高,补充维生素B5后大鼠脑组织MDA含量在禁食4d与7d较饥饿前无明显升高,与全饥饿对照组比较差异有统计学意义。维生素B5对饥饿大鼠脑SOD,GSH-Px活力无影响,但显著提高GSH水平。结论维生素B5能减轻饥饿对大鼠脑组织氧化应激反应。     

银屑病患者抗氧化酶、脂质过氧化物及肿瘤坏死因子测定的意义

检测了银屑病患者血清过氧化脂质、丙二醛、超氧化物歧化酶、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶和肿瘤坏死因子水平。与健康组相比，银屑病患者过氧化脂质、丙二醛及肿瘤坏死因子水平增高（Ｐ＜０．０１），而超氧化物歧化酶和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶活性降低（Ｐ＜０．０１），且增高或降低的程度与病期有关。说明过氧化脂质、丙二醛、超氧化物歧化酶、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶及肿瘤坏死因子反应异常，在银屑病发病中发挥一定作用。从而提示：综合分析以上五项检测水平，可作为判断病情变化，评价疗效及估计预后的重要参考指标。     

人参二醇组皂甙对阿霉素心肌损害的保护作用

以大鼠血清和心脏的过氧化脂质、超氧化物歧化酶、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶的含量为指标,观察阿霉素、人参二醇组皂甙对其影响,结果表明:阿霉素组过氧比脂质明显增高,谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶,超氧化物歧化酶活性显著降低,人参二醇组皂甙能降低过氧化脂质的含量,提高谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶、超氧化物歧化酶的活性。实验结果揭示:人参二醇组皂甙对阿霉素的心脏毒性有保护作用。     

灯盏花素脂质体对大鼠脑缺血再损伤的保护作用

目的 观察灯盏花素脂质体对脑缺血再灌注大鼠脑损伤的保护作用。方法 采用线栓法构造大鼠大脑动脉脑缺血再灌注损伤模型，观察大鼠神经功能障碍情况并进行评分，测定再灌注后缺血侧脑梗死范围及脑组织中超氧化物歧化酶、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶的活性及丙二醛的含量。结果 灯盏花素脂质体能显著减少脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠的脑梗死面积和减轻神经功能障碍，并抑制缺血脑组织中丙二醛的含量。提高脑组织中超氧化物歧化酶和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶的活性。结论 灯盏花素脂质体对大鼠大脑缺血再灌注损伤有明显保护作用，具有良好的新药开发前景。     

低分子量硫酸软骨素对MPTP致帕金森病模型小鼠多巴胺能神经元的保护作用

目的:观察低分子量硫酸软骨素(CS)对1-甲基-4-苯基-1,2,3,6-四氢吡啶(MPTP)致帕金森病(PD)模型小鼠多巴胺能神经元的保护作用。方法:将C57BL/6小鼠随机分为对照组、MPTP损伤组以及低分子量CS低、高剂量组(100、400 mg/kg)。对照组和MPTP损伤组小鼠均灌胃等容生理盐水,各给药组小鼠均灌胃相应药物,每天1次,连续17 d。自给药后第11天开始,除对照组外,其余各组小鼠均于给药后腹腔注射MPTP溶液(20 mg/kg),每天1次,连续5 d,以复制PD模型。末次给药后,采用转棒式疲劳仪评价小鼠(每组10只)行为学的改变情况,采用免疫组织化学法和免疫荧光法检测小鼠(每组3只)中脑黑质中多巴胺神经元的损伤情况[酪氨酸羟化酶(TH)阳性细胞百分比、荧光强度百分比],采用高效液相色谱法检测小鼠(每组6只)脑纹状体中多巴胺的含量,采用化学比色法检测小鼠(每组6只)中脑黑质中氧化应激指标[超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、丙二醛(MDA)]水平。结果:与对照组比较,MPTP损伤组小鼠在转棒上的滞留时间显著缩短,中脑黑质中TH阳性细胞明显减少、荧光强度明显减弱,其阳性细胞百分比和荧光强度百分比,脑纹状体中多巴胺的含量以及中脑黑质中SOD、GSH-Px的活性均显著降低,MDA的含量显著升高(P<0.01)。与MPTP损伤组比较,低分子量CS各剂量组小鼠在转棒上的滞留时间显著延长,中脑黑质中TH阳性细胞明显增加、荧光强度明显增强,其阳性细胞百分比、荧光强度百分比以及脑纹状体中多巴胺的含量均显著升高,且高剂量组上述指标均显著长于或高于低剂量组(P<0.05或P<0.01);低分子量CS各剂量组小鼠中脑黑质中SOD、GSH-Px的活性均显著升高,低分子量CS高剂量组小鼠中脑黑质中MDA的含量显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论:预防性给予低分子量CS可剂量依赖性地减轻MPTP致PD模型小鼠中脑黑质中多巴胺能神经元的损伤,增加其脑纹状体中多巴胺的分泌。这种作用可能与抑制脂质过氧化反应、提高组织的抗氧化能力相关。     

健行颗粒对纹状体损毁致帕金森病模型大鼠单胺类递质及其代谢产物含量的影响

目的 建立纹状体定向损毁致帕金森病大鼠模型并在此模型上观察中药复方健行颗粒对模型大鼠单胺类神经递质及其代谢产物含量的影响,探讨其可能的作用机制。方法 应用单侧黑质纹状体通路损毁的方法建立帕金森病大鼠模型,以阿朴吗啡诱导的大鼠旋转行为,大鼠脑纹状体内单胺类神经递质及其代谢产物的含量,酪胺酸羟化酶阳性细胞的数目等系统评价了健行颗粒改善模型动物运动功能的药效学作用及其机制。结果 对于单侧黑质纹状体通路损毁所致帕金森病样模型大鼠,健行颗粒能明显减少其旋转次数,提高模型鼠脑纹状体内多巴胺及其代谢产物的含量,增加酪胺酸羟化酶染色阳性的细胞数。结论 健行颗粒能够明显改善拟帕金森病模型动物的运动功能,提升动物脑纹状体内单胺类神经递质及其代谢产物含量并对黑质处神经元具良好的保护作用。     

雷帕霉素对帕金森病大鼠模型行为学、氧化应激水平及线粒体相关基因表达的影响

目的探讨雷帕霉素对帕金森病(PD)大鼠模型的保护作用及其机制。方法 60只大鼠均分为5组:C组作为空白对照;其余4组采用6-羟基多巴(6-OHDA)两点注射法制备PD大鼠模型。LR、MR和HR组造模前7d开始用雷帕霉素0.05、0.5和5mg/kg每天灌胃给药1次;P组给予生理盐水作为模型对照。术后3周对大鼠进行行为学评分;检测纹状体丙二醛(MDA)和谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)活性,以及B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)和还原型烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸磷酸(NADPH)氧化酶p47phox mRNA的表达水平。结果与P组相比,LR、MR和HR组大鼠旋转圈数减少、纹状体MDA含量降低、GSH含量、SOD、GSH-PX活性以及Bcl-2mRNA表达升高、Bax和p47phox mRNA表达水平降低。结论雷帕霉素可以有效改善PD大鼠模型行为学表现。其机制可能与调控病灶相关部位的氧化应激水平及线粒体相关基因mRNA的表达有关。     

自噬参与老龄大鼠对Rotenone神经毒性的易感性

目的探讨自噬是否参与老龄SD大鼠多巴胺(DA)能神经元对Rotenone神经毒性的易感性。方法♂SD大鼠,分别构建3、12、20mon组,每个月龄组又随机分为自然增龄组和Rotenone处理组,以Rotenone1.0mg·kg-1.d-1背部皮下注射,连续给药30d,每周停药1d,构建SD大鼠Rotenone染毒模型。大鼠黑质连续切片,进行酪氨酸羟化酶(tyrosine hydroxylase,TH)免疫组化染色;Western blot检测黑质部位微管相关蛋白轻链-3(LC3)蛋白表达水平;透射电镜观察黑质神经元中自噬体形成和溶酶体激活。结果在自然增龄组,大鼠黑质TH阳性细胞计数以12mon组为最高;Rotenone处理后各月龄组TH阳性细胞计数均比相应自然增龄组降低(P<0.01),且20mon组降低最为明显。Western blot结果显示,自然增龄组大鼠黑质部位LC3表达在20mon组比3mon组下降(P<0.01),Rotenone处理后各月龄组大鼠黑质部位LC3表达均比相应自然增龄组上调(P<0.01)。透射电镜显示Rotenone处理后大鼠黑质神经元可见自噬小体和溶酶体数目增多。结论自噬参与老龄大鼠DA能神经元对Rotenone神经毒性的易感性。     

莱菔硫烷对帕金森病大鼠脑内多巴胺能神经元的保护作用及机制

目的 观察莱菔硫烷(sulforaphane,SF)对帕金森(PD)病大鼠模型脑内黑质多巴胺能神经元的保护作用.方法 健康成年雄性Wistar大鼠背部皮下注射鱼藤酮制备PD大鼠模型,药物治疗组同时给予大鼠腹腔注射EGCG.采用分光光度法检测大鼠脑内丙二醛(MDA)和还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH),免疫细胞化学和免疫印记检测大鼠中脑黑质及纹状体中络氨酸羟化酶(TH)的表达变化.结果 Western blot结果显示试验组大鼠脑内中脑和纹状体中TH蛋白表达都比对照组有明显降低(P<0.05);莱菔硫烷药物干预后TH蛋白在中脑和纹状体比试验组明显增高(P<0.05),但是较对照组仍有明显减少(P<0.05).实验组大鼠在给予鱼藤酮背部皮下注射后导致大鼠脑内纹状体中脂质代谢产物MDA含量比对照组明显增加(P<0.01).莱菔硫烷药物干预组大鼠脑内纹状体中MDA明显减少(P<0.05),但较对照组仍明显增加(P<0.05).同时我们发现鱼藤酮背部皮下注射可以导致实验组大鼠脑内纹状体中GSH的含量比对照组明显减少(P<0.01);莱菔硫烷药物干预后大鼠脑内纹状体中GSH含量较实验组明显增加(P<0.05),但较对照组仍明显减少(P<0.05).结论 氧化应激在PD发病中起着非常重要的作用,抗氧化治疗能有效减轻大鼠脑内多巴胺能神经元损伤情况,同时改善PD样症状,为PD的治疗提供了新的靶点.     

黑米花色素苷对大鼠组织器官功能的影响

目的探讨黑米花色素苷(BA)对大鼠组织器官功能的调节作用。方法雌性SD大鼠24只,随机分为对照组和BA低、中、高剂量组四组。对照组给生理盐水,BA低、中、高剂量分别给予BA 25,50,100 mg/kg,连续30 d。处死大鼠后,称胸腺、脾、肝和肾湿重,并计算其湿重指数;测定胸腺、脾、肝和肾中乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH),超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和丙二醛(MDA)的活力。结果 BA组大鼠组织器官的湿重增加(胸腺、肝),LDH(脾、肝、肾),ACP(胸腺、脾、肝、肾),GSH(脾、肝、肾)和SOD(胸腺、脾、肝)水平显著上升,而MDA(肝、肾)的水平下降。结论 BA对大鼠组织器官免疫功能有重要调节作用,且有一定的抗氧化作用。     

灯盏花素对糖尿病大鼠肾脏氧化应激的影响

目的　在链脲菌素诱导的糖尿病大鼠模型上 ,灯盏花素与化学合成药氨基胍相比较来探讨灯盏花素对糖尿病大鼠肾脏的保护作用及与氧化应激的关系。方法　用链脲菌素诱导糖尿病大鼠模型后 ,将糖尿病大鼠分为 :糖尿病组、灯盏花素组 (0 1g·kg-1)和氨基胍组 (饮水含 1g·L-1的氨基胍 )。在给药 15～ 17wk后进行与氧化应激相关的各项实验观察。结果　① 15～ 17wk的糖尿病大鼠与正常对照组相比 :肾指数显著增加 ,肾脏的抗氧化能力显著降低且氧化应激增强。②灯盏花素组与糖尿病组相比 :肾指数显著降低 ,总抗氧化能力和肾脏超氧化物歧化酶活性显著提高 ,脂质过氧化产物丙二醛显著降低。③氨基胍组与糖尿病组相比 :肾脏超氧化物歧化酶活性显著提高 ,肾脏的脂质过氧化产物丙二醛显著性降低 ,总抗氧化能力差异无显著性。结论　糖尿病大鼠与正常大鼠相比肾脏抗氧化能力降低且氧化应激增强 ,灯盏花素可显著提高糖尿病大鼠肾脏的抗氧化能力和降低氧化应激     

Attenuation by Nardostachys jatamansi of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced parkinsonism in rats: behavioral, neurochemical, and immunohistochemical studies

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the commonest neurodegenerative diseases, and oxidative stress has been evidenced to play a vital role in its causation. In the present study, we evaluated whether ethanolic extract of Nardostachys jatamansi roots (ENj), an antioxidant and enhancer of biogenic amines, can slow the neuronal injury in a 6-OHDA-rat model of Parkinson's. Rats were treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight of ENj for 3 weeks. On day 21, 2 microl of 6-OHDA (12 microg in 0.01% in ascorbic acid-saline) was infused into the right striatum, while the sham-operated group received 2 microl of vehicle. Three weeks after the 6-OHDA injection, the rats were tested for neurobehavioural activity and were sacrificed after 6 weeks for the estimation of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione content, the activities of glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, quantification of catecholamines, dopaminergic D2 receptor binding and tyrosine hydroxylase expression. The increase in drug-induced rotations and deficits in locomotor activity and muscular coordination due to 6-OHDA injections were significantly and dose-dependently restored by ENj. Lesioning was followed by an increased lipid peroxidation and significant depletion of reduced glutathione content in the substantia nigra, which was prevented with ENj pretreatment. The activities of glutathione-dependent enzymes, catalase and superoxide dismutase in striatum, which were reduced significantly by lesioning, were dose-dependently restored by ENj. A significant decrease in the level of dopamine and its metabolites and an increase in the number of dopaminergic D2 receptors in striatum were observed after 6-OHDA injection, and both were significantly recovered following ENj treatment. All of these results were exhibited by an increased density of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-IR) fibers in the ipsilateral striatum of the lesioned rats following treatment with ENj; 6-OHDA injection had induced almost a complete loss of TH-IR fibers. This study indicates that the extract of Jatamansi might be helpful in attenuating Parkinsonism.     

Differential expression of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase in rat brain after subchronic administration of 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol.

The compound 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) is a contaminant of acid-hydrolyzed vegetable protein foodstuffs. Several reports have suggested that chronic exposure to 3-MCPD can produce neurotoxicity or neurobehavioral effects in experimental animals. We sought to further explore the neurotoxic effects of 3-MCPD (10 or 30 mg/kg) administered for 13 weeks on the expression of two forms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS), in rat cerebral cortex and striatum. Using immunocytochemistry, the number of nNOS-expressing neurons or the optical density of iNOS staining in sections from three coronal levels (bregma 1.0, -0.4, and -2.3 mm) were compared between 3-MCPD-treated and control rats. At bregma level 1.0 mm, the number of nNOS-expressing neurons was significantly decreased in the 10 and 30 mg/kg groups. At bregma level -0.4 mm, nNOS expression was significantly decreased only in the 30 mg/kg group, in the cortex and striatum. However, at bregma level -2.3 mm, 3-MCPD administration produced no significant difference in the number of nNOS-expressing neurons in the cortex or striatum. In contrast, iNOS expression was significantly increased in the neocortex and striatum at all three rostrocaudal levels following subchronic 3-MCPD administration. These data suggest that subchronic 3-MCPD exposure may involve compensatory mechanisms acting on nNOS and iNOS expression to maintain nitric oxide homeostasis in the rostral part of the neocortex and striatum. However, in the caudal brain, increased iNOS expression did not profoundly suppress nNOS expression. Thus, the present study suggests that 3-MCPD-induced neurotoxicity is mediated, at least in part, through disturbances in the nitric oxide signaling pathway and exhibits a rostrocaudal difference, through differential expression of nNOS and iNOS in the neocortex and striatum.     

复方黄连胶囊降血糖作用的实验研究

目的:研究复方黄连胶囊(CRCC)降血糖作用及部分机制。方法:建立大鼠四氧嘧啶糖尿病模型,观察CRCC对血糖、血清胰岛素、糖化血红蛋白、糖耐量、心肌组织内脂质过氧化水平的影响。结果:CRCC(1．09, 2．18,4．36 g·kg~(-1),ig给药)能降低糖尿病大鼠的血糖和糖化血红蛋白,升高血清胰岛素水平,增强其糖耐量,并能抑制心肌的脂质过氧化反应。结论:CRCC具有降血糖作用,并可通过改善心肌组织内脂质过氧化作用对心肌产生保护作用。     

Benzo(a)pyrene-induced acute neurotoxicity in the F-344 rat: role of oxidative stress

Given the link between neurotoxicity and exposure to pollutants, the potential behavioral neurotoxicity of benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] was investigated. Studies have established that B(a)P requires metabolic activation to highly reactive species to elicit many of its adverse effects. This study investigated the perturbation of nervous system function by correlating behavioral changes with the metabolism of B(a)P, antioxidant enzyme levels and lipid peroxidation in selected brain regions. The neurobehavioral effects of single oral doses of B(a)P (25-200 mg kg(-1) body weight) on motor activity were examined in male F-344 rats at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post treatment. Parent B(a)P and metabolites were measured at the above mentioned time points by reverse phase HPLC. The activity of several antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and levels of malondialdehyde were determined at 6 and 96 h in both the striatum and hippocampus of B(a)P exposed rats. Suppression of motor activity (up to 70%) reached a maximum at 6 h, but was reversible at 96 h in all dose groups. The kinetics of disposition data show a strong link between B(a)P metabolism and the onset and duration of behavioral effects. Benzo(a)pyrene caused a 15-70% inhibition in the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and an enhancement in catalase and lipid peroxidation (up to 68%) in the striatum and hippocampus at 6 and 96 h post treatment, respectively. These findings suggest that B(a)P-induced acute neurobehavioral toxicity may occur through oxidative stress due to inhibition of the brain antioxidant scavenging system.     

Antioxidant defense in rat brain regions after developmental lead exposure.

Oxidative stress is considered a possible molecular mechanism involved in Pb neurotoxicity. Considering the vulnerability of the developing brain to Pb neurotoxicity, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of low-level developmental Pb exposure on brain regions antioxidant enzymes activities. Wister dams were exposed to 500 ppm of Pb, as Pb acetate, or to 660 ppm Na acetate in the drinking water during pregnancy and lactation. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were determined in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and striatum of male pups at 23 (weaned) or 70 days (adult) of age. In the Pb-exposed 23-day-old pups, the activity of SOD was decreased in the hypothalamus. Regarding adults, there was no significant treatment effect in any of the enzymes and regions evaluated. Based on the present results, it seems that oxidative stress due to decreased antioxidant function may occur in weaned rats but it is suggested that this should not be the main mechanism involved in the neurotoxicity of low-level Pb exposure.     

Methamphetamine-induced neuronal damage: a possible role for free radicals

The hypothesis that methamphetamine-induced neuronal damage is mediated by the production of free radicals was evaluated by pretreating rats with either antioxidants or a superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitor. It was found that methamphetamine (dose range 6.25-25.0 mg/kg) caused long-lasting depletions of dopamine and serotonin in the striatum and that pretreatment with the antioxidants, ascorbic acid (10-100 mg/kg), ethanol (1 g/kg), mannitol (2 g/kg), or vitamin E (2 g/kg), attenuated these depletions, whereas pretreatment with the superoxide dismutase inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamate (200-400 mg/kg) exacerbated the depletions. The alteration of this effect by four different antioxidants, as well as an inhibitor of superoxidase dismutase, indicated that oxygen-free radicals may have a role in the methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity.     

Muscarinic antagonists in substantia nigra influence the decarboxylation of L-dopa in striatum

This study was designed to investigate whether anticholinergic drugs acting at the level of the substantia nigra can affect basal extracellular dopamine concentrations and the levodopa (L-dopa)-induced increases in dopamine levels in the striatum. Dual probe in vivo microdialysis in freely moving rats was used. One microdialysis probe was implanted in the substantia nigra and the other in the ipsilateral striatum. Muscarinic receptor antagonists were perfused into the substantia nigra and changes in neurotransmitter levels in the substantia nigra and at the axon terminals in the striatum were monitored simultaneously. Nigral perfusion of the non-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist trihexyphenidyl (1 mM) produced an increase in extracellular dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the substantia nigra. Perfusion with the muscarinic M(1) receptor antagonist telenzepine (0.1 microM) produced a significant decrease in nigral dopamine and GABA levels in the substantia nigra. The muscarinic M(2) receptor antagonist methoctramine (75 microM) produced an increase in dopamine levels in the substantia nigra. No significant changes in nigral extracellular GABA levels were observed. The L-dopa-induced increases in extracellular dopamine levels in the striatum were clearly attenuated under nigral perfusion of these drugs.This in vivo study demonstrates that anticholinergic drugs perfused at the level of the substantia nigra can modulate dopamine and GABA levels and attenuate the L-dopa decarboxylation in the striatum, possibly via modulation of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. We add further evidence that the substantia nigra is an important site of action of antimuscarinic drugs. The attenuation of L-dopa-induced dopamine release in the striatum exerted by nigral perfusion of these antimuscarinic drugs is probably mediated via different mechanisms. This attenuation is regarded as a beneficial effect of the muscarinic antagonists as adjuncts to L-dopa in Parkinson's disease treatment. We postulate that drugs that enhance dopamine release, after L-dopa administration, in a less extreme way than L-dopa administered on its own could prevent further neurodegeneration and dyskinesias thought to result from extremely high extracellular dopamine levels following L-dopa treatment.     

Neuroprotective effect of Manasamitra vatakam against aluminium induced cognitive impairment and oxidative damage in the cortex and hippocampus of rat brain

Manasamitra vatakam (MMV) has long been used as a traditional medicine in India for the treatment of psychosomatic diseases, anxiety neurosis, and stress. The present study was designed to examine the neuroprotective effect of MMV against aluminum (Al)-induced memory impairment and oxidative damage in rats. Neurotoxicity was induced by the administration of Al [100?mg/kg body weight (b.w.) per oral (p.o.)/day] to Wistar albino rats for 90 days. Al administration induced neurotoxicity as well as oxidative stress by affecting the active avoidance and memory impairment, as well as altering antioxidants, such as HSP70 protein, superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and acetylcholinesterase. It was observed that the administration of MMV (100?mg/kg b.w./p.o./day) along with AlCl(3) improves memory performance and antioxidant activity against Al-induced neurotoxicity in rats. In conclusion, these data suggest that MMV can prevent brain damage from Al-induced neurotoxicity in rats and thus can be used as a neuroprotective agent.