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The effects of pergolide on memory and oxidative stress in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease

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Abstract

One of the most widely used animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves injecting 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) directly into the substantia nigra (SN). Some recent reports speculated that dopaminergic drugs may exert brain antioxidant activity, which could explain some of their protective actions. In this way, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of low-dose pergolide on memory deficits and brain oxidative stress in a 6-OHDA-induced rat model of PD. Right-unilateral lesions of the SN were produced with 6-OHDA. Two weeks after neurosurgery, pergolide (0.3 mg/kg/day) was injected intraperitoneally in the 6-OHDA + pergolide and sham-operated + pergolide groups, while sham-operated and 6-OHDA alone groups received saline. Radial-8-arm maze and Y-maze were used for memory assessment. We also determined some enzymatic antioxidant defenses like superoxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase and a lipid peroxidation marker [malondialdehyde (MDA)], from the temporal lobe. A reduced number of working/reference memory errors was observed in 6-OHDA + pergolide group, compared to sham-operated rats. Additionally, post hoc analysis showed significant differences between 6-OHDA and 6-OHDA + pergolide groups in both Y-maze and radial-arm-maze tasks. We also noted a significant decrease of MDA level in the 6-OHDA + pergolide group, compared to sham-operated rats. Significant correlations were also found between behavioral parameters and MDA levels. Our data suggest that pergolide facilitates spatial memory and improves brain oxidative balance, after a 6-OHDA-induced model of PD. This could be useful for further investigations and clinical applications of pergolide.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by a POSDRU grant /89/1.5/S/49944, “Developing the innovation capacity and improving the impact of research through post-doctoral programs” Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi. The authors would also like to show their gratitude to the reviewer of this paper which significantly improved the value of the presented data by adding very important insights, comments, and suggestions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Bd. Carol I, nr. 11, Iasi, 700506, Romania

    Alin Ciobica, Zenovia Olteanu & Lucian Hritcu

  2. “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115, Iasi, Romania

    Manuela Padurariu

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  1. Alin Ciobica
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  2. Zenovia Olteanu
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Correspondence to Alin Ciobica.

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Ciobica, A., Olteanu, Z., Padurariu, M. et al. The effects of pergolide on memory and oxidative stress in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease. J Physiol Biochem 68, 59–69 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13105-011-0119-x

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