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[BLOCKING SENSORIMOTOR DISORDERS IN STRIATIC DOPAMINERGIC DEFICIENT MICE BY THE EXTRACTS OF "REMEDY BEETLE"
Abstract:
Five groups of C57Bl/6JSto mice (groups 1-5) were tested on a vertical pole 2 weeks since subcutaneous administration of proneurotoxin MPTP (40 mg per kg b. w.) to groups 2-5. Group 1 served as control. It is known that this MPTP dosage forms within 2 weeks sensorimotor disturbances similar to the initial stage of Parkinson's disease. One week before MPTP injection and during all the period after it (2 weeks) animals of groups 3-5 got one of the three extracts of biomass homogenate of the «remedy beetle» Alphitobius diaperinus as an additive to their food (8 g per 1 kg of food). The extracts were as follows: water (N 1), water-methanol (N 2) and water-methanol one after solid-phase extraction (N 3). All extracts were immobilized on a phytocarrier. Animals of groups 1 & 2 used ordinary food. Sensorimotor disturbances which could be clearly seen in the 2nd group of mice (MPTP) were absent in group 1 (control) as well as groups 3-5 which received an «antidote» with their food as one of the extracts of homogenate of the beetle biomass. The extract N 3 demonstrated maximal efficiency of all.
Insights
This study investigated the potential of Alphitobius diaperinus beetle extracts as a neuroprotective agent against MPTP-induced sensorimotor deficits. One extract demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing Parkinson
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Entomology
Background:
- MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) is a neurotoxin that induces sensorimotor disturbances mimicking Parkinson's disease.
- Alphitobius diaperinus, commonly known as the lesser mealworm or buffalo beetle, is being explored for potential therapeutic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of different extracts from Alphitobius diaperinus biomass homogenate in mitigating MPTP-induced sensorimotor deficits in mice.
- To identify which extract formulation exhibits the highest protective effect.
Main Methods:
- C57Bl/6JSto mice were divided into five groups.
- Groups 2-5 received a subcutaneous injection of MPTP (40 mg/kg) to induce Parkinson's-like symptoms.
- Groups 3-5 were co-administered one of three Alphitobius diaperinus extracts (water, water-methanol, or water-methanol after solid-phase extraction) mixed with their food for three weeks.
- Group 1 served as a control (no MPTP, standard food), and Group 2 received MPTP with standard food.
Main Results:
- MPTP administration reliably induced sensorimotor disturbances in mice.
- Mice treated with Alphitobius diaperinus extracts (Groups 3-5) did not exhibit the sensorimotor deficits observed in the MPTP-only group (Group 2).
- The water-methanol extract after solid-phase extraction (Extract N 3) showed the most significant protective effect.
Conclusions:
- Extracts derived from Alphitobius diaperinus biomass homogenate possess neuroprotective properties against MPTP-induced sensorimotor impairments.
- The specific formulation of the extract, particularly the water-methanol extract after solid-phase extraction, is crucial for its efficacy.
- Alphitobius diaperinus holds potential as a source for novel therapeutic agents in neurodegenerative disease research.