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Gene-environment Interaction Models to Unmask Susceptibility Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease
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Gene-environment Interaction Models to Unmask Susceptibility Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease

Published on: January 7, 2014

Effects of pergolide mesilate on metallothionein mRNAs expression in a mouse model for Parkinson disease

Shin-ichi Ono1, Kohji Hirai, Ei-ichi Tokuda

  • 1Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Nihon University, Funabashi, Chiba274-8555, Japan. ono.shinichi@nihon-u.ac.jp

Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|October 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pergolide mesilate (PM) demonstrated neuroprotective effects in Parkinsonian mice by restoring metallothionein (MT)-I mRNA and increasing MT-III expression. This dopamine agonist also suppressed lipid peroxidation, suggesting antioxidant properties.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Dopamine agonists possess neuroprotective capabilities beyond their primary functions.
  • Parkinson's disease models are crucial for understanding neurodegeneration and testing therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of pergolide mesilate (PM) on metallothionein (MT) mRNA expression and lipid peroxidation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
  • To determine if PM exhibits antioxidant properties in the context of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity.

Main Methods:

  • MPTP-induced Parkinsonian mice model.
  • Administration of saline (control), PM, or MPTP.
  • Quantification of metallothionein (MT)-I and MT-III mRNA expression via RT-PCR.
  • Measurement of lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde reactive substances).

Main Results:

  • MPTP treatment significantly decreased MT-I mRNA expression but did not affect MT-III mRNA or increase lipid peroxidation.
  • Pergolide mesilate (PM) administration post-MPTP treatment restored MT-I mRNA levels and increased MT-III expression.
  • PM significantly suppressed lipid peroxidation in MPTP-treated mice.

Conclusions:

  • Pergolide mesilate (PM) demonstrates significant antioxidative properties in an MPTP-induced Parkinsonian mouse model.
  • PM's neuroprotective effects may be mediated by the induction of metallothionein (MT)-I and MT-III mRNA expression.
  • These findings highlight the potential of PM as a therapeutic agent for conditions involving oxidative stress and neurodegeneration.

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