Effect of Rotenone on the Neurodegeneration among Different Models

Rotenone is a naturally occurring plant product used as an insecticide, pesticide and piscicide. It is lipophilic in nature and can cross the blood-brain barrier and induce the degeneration of neurons. It inhibits the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I and stops the transfer of electrons. It induces ROS generation, which impairs mitochondrial activity. Rotenone is a toxic agent which causes the death of neurons. The present review describes the effect of rotenone on neurodegeneration with an emphasis on behavioral, pathological and neuropathological components carried out on various experimental models such as cell lines, Drosophila melanogaster, mice and rats.