Study of apoptosis pattern of dopaminergic neurons and neuroprotective effect of nicotine in MPTP mouse model

ObjectiveTo investigate the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons and the protective effect of nicotine in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease.MethodsThe mouse model of Parkinson's disease were formed by MPTP(30 mg/kg/d×7, i.p.); and the loss and apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons was observed by Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) and TUNEL stains. In “Nicotime plus MPTP” group, mice were pretreated with nicotine before MPTP injection. The putative protective effect of nicotine was analyzed.ResultsThe number of TH-positive cells decreased during MPTP treatment. Apoptotic neurons began to appear after three injections of MPTP and peaked on the 8 th day. In the MPTP-intoxicated mice treated with nicotine, the loss of TH-positive cells was significantly less than that of MPTP-treated group(30 mg/kg/d × 7)(P <0.05).ConclusionThe chronic treatment of MPTP can induce the apoptosis of dopaminergicneurons in substantia nigra, and nicotinemight have a neuroprotecitve effect on dopaminergic neurons against MPTP toxicity.