MORPHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF BACTERIAL MELANIN IN A RAT MODEL OF PARKINSON'S...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor deficits.
• Microvascular dysfunction in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) is implicated in PD pathogenesis.
• Rotenone intoxication serves as a model for inducing PD-like symptoms and pathological changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of bacterial melanin (BM) on SNc microvasculature and bone marrow cytogenetics in a rotenone-induced PD rat model.
• To evaluate the potential of BM as a therapeutic agent for PD.

Main Methods:

• Rats were administered rotenone to model PD, followed by bacterial melanin (BM) treatment.
• Microvasculature of the SNc was analyzed using the histoangiological method of Chilingaryan.
• Animal behavior was assessed using the cylinder test.
• Bone marrow cytogenetic data, including polyploid cells (PC) and mitotic index (MI), were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Rotenone intoxication led to increased capillary diameter and reduced capillary network in the SNc, alongside PD-like behaviors (freezing, immobility).
• BM treatment normalized SNc capillary diameter and restored the capillary network, improving brain tissue trophism and protecting nerve cells.
• BM administration also tended to normalize MI and significantly decreased PC in bone marrow, indicating a potential beneficial effect on hematopoiesis.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial melanin (BM) demonstrates protective effects in the rotenone model of Parkinson's disease (PD).
• BM improves SNc microvasculature, restores normal behavior, and positively influences bone marrow cytogenetics.
• These findings suggest that BM holds promise as a therapeutic agent for PD.