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Updated: Sep 12, 2025
Assessment of Sensorimotor Function in Mouse Models of Parkinson's Disease
Published on: June 17, 2013
Resynchronization of microglial activity in the brain is associated with restoration of motor function in Parkinson's
Peizhen Ye1, Lei Bi1, Yifan Qiu1
1Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, 519000, China.
Abstract:
Neuroinflammation is a key factor in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. However, the regional heterogeneity of biomarkers related to inflammation in PD is less well defined. We developed [18F]GSK PET imaging to quantify neuroinflammation via the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) in A53T PD male mice and wild-type (WT) male mice. Montelukast (MK) was administered to mice, and weekly behavior tests confirmed MK's efficacy. [18F]L-DOPA/[18F]GSK PET, motor testing, autoradiography, and immunofluorescence were performed after MK treatments. MK improved motor function and reduced the brain uptake of [18F]GSK, indicating resynchronization of regional microglial activity. The whole brain uptake of [18F]GSK was correlated with motor functional restoration, while [18F]L-DOPA PET was not. Overall, our study indicated that brain mapping of [18F]GSK PET is beneficial for exploring P2X7R-related neuroinflammation, which is correspondent to motor function in PD.
Insights
This study used [18F]GSK PET imaging to measure neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease (PD) mice. Montelukast treatment improved motor function and reduced neuroinflammation markers, showing potential for PD treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neuroinflammation is a critical component in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis.
- Understanding the regional variations in neuroinflammation biomarkers is crucial for PD research.
- The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is implicated in neuroinflammatory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and utilize [18F]GSK PET imaging for quantifying neuroinflammation via P2X7R in a mouse model of PD.
- To assess the therapeutic effect of Montelukast (MK) on neuroinflammation and motor function in A53T PD mice.
Main Methods:
- Development of [18F]GSK PET imaging to target P2X7R.
- Administration of Montelukast (MK) to A53T PD male mice.
- Evaluation using weekly behavioral tests, [18F]L-DOPA/[18F]GSK PET, motor function tests, autoradiography, and immunofluorescence.
Main Results:
- Montelukast (MK) treatment significantly improved motor function in PD mice.
- [18F]GSK uptake in the brain was reduced after MK treatment, indicating restored microglial activity.
- Whole-brain [18F]GSK uptake correlated with motor function recovery, unlike [18F]L-DOPA uptake.
Conclusions:
- [18F]GSK PET imaging is a valuable tool for mapping P2X7R-related neuroinflammation in PD.
- The study demonstrates the potential of targeting neuroinflammation for motor functional restoration in Parkinson's disease.
- Restoration of regional microglial activity, as visualized by [18F]GSK PET, is linked to improved motor performance in PD models.
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