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Published on: January 7, 2014
Enhanced susceptibility to MPTP neurotoxicity in magnesium-deficient C57BL/6N mice
Akiko Muroyama1, Makiko Inaka, Hiroaki Matsushima
1Department of Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokuriku University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1181, Japan.
Abstract:
We evaluated the effect of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in C57BL/6N mice fed a magnesium (Mg(2+))-deficient diet. On the 3rd week, Mg(2+)-deficient mice displayed increased anxiety- and depression-like behavior. In the Mg(2+)-deficient mice, a low does (10mg/kg) of MPTP treatment decreased dopamine (DA) and its metabolites contents in the striatum, but not in control mice. The same dose of MPTP did not influence these neurochemical markers in the mice fed Mg(2+)-deficient diet for 1 week which did not exhibit the altered emotional behavior. These results indicate that Mg(2+)-deficient mice with altered emotional behavior appear to increase the susceptibility to MPTP neurotoxicity in C57BL/6N mice.
Insights
Magnesium deficiency in mice exacerbated MPTP neurotoxicity, increasing anxiety and depression-like behaviors and altering dopamine levels in the brain. This highlights magnesium
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Magnesium (Mg2+) is crucial for neuronal function.
- Mg2+ deficiency can lead to behavioral alterations.
- MPTP is a neurotoxin used to model Parkinson's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Mg2+ deficiency on MPTP neurotoxicity.
- To assess behavioral and neurochemical changes in mice under these conditions.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6N mice were fed a Mg2+-deficient diet.
- MPTP (10mg/kg) was administered to assess neurotoxicity.
- Behavioral tests were used to evaluate anxiety and depression.
- Dopamine (DA) and its metabolites in the striatum were measured.
Main Results:
- Mg2+-deficient mice showed increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviors.
- MPTP treatment in deficient mice reduced striatal DA and metabolite levels.
- These neurochemical changes were not observed in control mice or mice deficient for only 1 week.
Conclusions:
- Mg2+-deficient mice with altered emotional behavior exhibit heightened susceptibility to MPTP neurotoxicity.
- This suggests a potential link between magnesium status, emotional behavior, and neurodegenerative processes.
