A novel mitochondrially-targeted apocynin derivative prevents hyposmia and loss of motor function in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2R1441G) transgenic mouse model of Parkinson's disease

• LRRK2R1441G mice are hyposmic.
• Mito-apocynin C11 prevents hyposmia and corrects deficits in motor function.
• No difference in response to mechanical sensitivity was found.

Recently, we demonstrated that dimeric apocynin prevented loss of motor function in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2R1441G) transgenic (tg) mouse (treated with 200 mg/kg, three times per week) [B.P. Dranka et al., Neurosci. Lett. 549 (2013) 57–62]. Here we extend those studies by treating LRRK2R1441G mice with an orally-available, mitochondrially-targeted apocynin derivative. We hypothesized that the increased mitochondrial permeability of Mito-apocynin, due to the triphenylphosphonium moiety, would allow improvement of Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms at lower doses than those required for diapocynin. Tests of motor coordination (pole test, Rotor-Rod) revealed a significant deficit in coordinated motor function in LRRK2R1441G mice by 15 months of age. Decreased performance on the pole test and Rotor-Rod in the LRRK2R1441G mice was prevented with Mito-apocynin treatment (3 mg/kg, three times per week). Decreased olfactory function is an early indication of PD in human patients. LRRK2R1441G tg mice displayed deficits in sense of smell in both the hidden treat test, and a radial arm maze test. Interestingly, treatment with Mito-apocynin prevented this hyposmia, and animals retained normal ability to identify either a scented treat or a food pellet as well as wild type littermates. Together, these data demonstrate that the mitochondria-targeted apocynin analog is effective in preventing early PD-like symptoms in the LRRK2R1441G mouse model.