The pro-depressive effect of levodopa in a 6-OHDA-induced hemiparkinsonism rat model

Rationale: Treatment of Parkinson's disease has been by now symptomatic. The literature on the efficacy and side effects of levodopa has been contradictory. Some authors mention an anti-depressant effect of the agent, while others believe that it is exactly levodopa that eventually induces the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: O. S. Karimova, A. Yu. Morozova, Ya. A. Zorkina, E. A. Zubkov, V. M. Ushakova, O. V. Abramova, V. P. Chekhonin
Format: Article
Language:Russian
Published: MONIKI 2020-03-01
Series:Alʹmanah Kliničeskoj Mediciny
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Online Access:https://www.almclinmed.ru/jour/article/view/1235
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Summary:Rationale: Treatment of Parkinson's disease has been by now symptomatic. The literature on the efficacy and side effects of levodopa has been contradictory. Some authors mention an anti-depressant effect of the agent, while others believe that it is exactly levodopa that eventually induces the occurrence of depressive symptoms. Aim: To reproduce the OHDA-hemiparkinsonism rat model with subsequent assessment of both external and structural manifestations of the disorder, as well as to study the efficacy of levodopa for motor and non-motor symptoms of parkinsonism. Materials and methods: The study was performed in 52 male Wistar rats. The disease model included stereotaxic administration of neurotoxic 6-OHDA into the pars compacta of the substantia nigra. At 2 months after the administration, the animals underwent test for motor (Rotarod, cylinder, ketamine-induced rotation in the rotometer) and non-motor abnormalities (open field, social interest, conditioned escape response). Results: In 18% of the animals no hemiparkinsonism symptoms were found. 32% of rats had only motor symptoms, whereas in 50% of the animals both motor and non-motor symptoms were noted. Levodopa could partially correct the motor abnormalities, with augmentation of depressive-like behavior. Conclusion: Levodopa has shown its partial efficacy in correction of the motor symptoms caused by administration of 6-OHDA neurotoxin; however, it caused such side effects as augmentation of depressive-like behavior and anxiety.
ISSN:2072-0505
2587-9294