Impact of the Chronic Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Hemiparkinsonism Model Induced by 6-Hydroxydopamine in Rats

Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2017 Jun;120(6):523-531. doi: 10.1111/bcpt.12713. Epub 2017 Apr 5.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The neuronal degeneration may result from the convergence of a number of different pathogenic factors, including apoptosis, excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. Many studies emphasize the importance of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) in vital processes such as maintenance of the properties of cell membranes and the participation in signal transduction and biodynamic activity of neuronal membranes. In this study, the protective effect of ω-3 PUFA administration on the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of PD in rats was investigated. ω-3 PUFA (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg) was orally administered by gavage during 28 consecutive days to male Wistar rats. On the 4th day, hemiparkinsonism was induced through intrastriatal injection of 6-OHDA. On the 25th day, the animals were submitted to behavioural analysis. On the 28th day, after euthanasia, the brain areas were collected for neurochemical evaluation. ω-3 PUFAs (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg) restored monoamine and amino acid levels on the striatum from hemiparkinsonian rats, followed by reduction in the number of apomorphine-induced rotations and promotion of a partial locomotor recovery. In addition, ω-3 PUFAs (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg) decreased the lipid peroxidation levels and nitrite levels in the brain areas from hemiparkinsonian rats. Thus, this study suggests that supplementation with ω-3 PUFAs prevents behavioural and neurochemical disturbances induced by 6-OHDA, presenting a potential neuroprotective action.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apomorphine / pharmacology
  • Biogenic Monoamines / analysis
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Nitrites / analysis
  • Oxidopamine
  • Parkinson Disease / metabolism
  • Parkinson Disease / prevention & control*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / analysis

Substances

  • Biogenic Monoamines
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Nitrites
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Oxidopamine
  • Apomorphine