Protective effect of Zhen-Wu-Tang (ZWT) through keeping DA stable and VMAT 2/DAT mRNA in balance in rats with striatal lesions induced by MPTP

Ethnopharmacological relevanceZhen-Wu-Tang (ZWT), the modified formulation of a classical Chinese prescription from “Treaties on Febrile Disease”, was clinically employed to treat Parkinson's disease.Aim of the studyTo investigate the neuroprotective effect of ZWT on intra-striatum injection of MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease in rats.Materials and methodsThe effect of ZWT on the behavioral changes (open-field test, Ladder walking, spontaneous alternation in Y maze), the dopamine transmitter systems of substantia nigra, striatum and frontal cortex of rats by HPLC-ECD, mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT 2) of the above three brain regions was investigated.ResultsThis study showed that ZWT not only ameliorated the behavior induced by the administration of MPTP in striatum, but also increased DA in the brain, prevented the decreasing of TH and balanced the ratio of VMAT 2/DAT in mRNA level.ConclusionsThese results suggest that ZWT possesses neuroprotective and anti-parkinsonism properties.

MPTP was metabolized to its active metabolite, MPP+, which is selectively taken up into dopaminergic neuron terminals via DAT. MPP+ could be sequestered into intracellular vesicles via VMAT2. The effect of ZWT on DA stabilization and DAT/VMAT2 balance was investigated.106