Regional effects of iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) on free radical scavengers in rat brain

Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured in different regions of the brains of control and IDPN-treated rats. IDPN treatment resulted in significant increase of SOD activity in the cerebellum. Other regions, except frontal cortex, exhibited a slight decrease. While there was no significant difference in GSH-Px activity in all regions compared to controls, CAT activity was slightly increased in the cerebellum. These results give credence to the notion that free radical damage to certain areas of the brain such as isodendric core of the brainstem may play a role in the development of movement disorders.