Erythropoietin ameliorates harmaline-induced essential tremor and cognition disturbances

There are conflicting reports concerning the association of motor disabilities with increased risk of mental disorders. This investigation will provide a good understanding about defining the possible association between tremor and risk of anxiety and cognitive alterations. Beside, a secondary objective of the current study was to determine the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on harmaline-induced motor and cognitive impairments. Male Wistar rats were used for the present study. The animal model of Esential tremor (ET) was established by the intraperitoneal injection of harmaline. EPO (5000 U/kg, i.p.) administered to the animals 1 h prior to harmaline injection. Exploratory, balance, anxiety related behaviors and cognitive function were assessed using footprint, open field, wire grip, rotarod and shuttle box tests. Findings demonstrated EPO ameliorated tremor scores that was induced by harmaline. Harmaline impaired cognitive functions of the treated rats, whereas EPO showed a promising effect against the cognitive impairments induced by harmaline. EPO can be offered as a potential neuroprotective agent in the treatment of patients with ET that manifest locomotor and cognitive impairments; however, further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms.