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Intrastriatal methylmalonic acid administration induces rotational behavior and convulsions through glutamatergic

C F de Mello1, J Begnini, R E Jiménez-Bernal

  • 1Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil. cfmello@super.ufsm.br

Brain Research
|May 20, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Methylmalonic acid (MMA), accumulating in methylmalonic aciduria, causes dose-dependent behavioral changes in rats. NMDA receptor antagonists and succinate administration mitigate these MMA-induced effects, suggesting a role for NMDA receptors and succinate dehydrogenase.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Methylmalonic aciduria is a metabolic disorder characterized by the accumulation of methylmalonic acid (MMA).
  • The neurological effects of MMA accumulation are not fully understood.
  • Investigating MMA's impact on behavior is crucial for understanding its pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the behavioral effects of intrastriatal methylmalonic acid (MMA) administration in adult male Wistar rats.
  • To explore the potential involvement of NMDA receptors and succinate dehydrogenase in MMA-induced behavioral alterations.

Main Methods:

  • Unilateral intrastriatal injections of MMA or NaCl were administered to adult male Wistar rats.
  • Behavioral changes, including rotational behavior and convulsions, were observed.
  • The effects of MK-801 (an NMDA receptor antagonist) and succinate preadministration were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Intrastriatal MMA induced dose-dependent rotational behavior towards the contralateral side and clonic convulsions.
  • Preadministration of MK-801 prevented MMA-induced behaviors.
  • Succinate preadministration attenuated MMA-induced rotational behavior and convulsions.

Conclusions:

  • NMDA receptors play a significant role in the behavioral alterations induced by MMA.
  • Succinate dehydrogenase inhibition appears to be pivotal in the neurotoxic effects of MMA.
  • These findings provide insights into the neurological mechanisms underlying methylmalonic aciduria.

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