Efeito do extrato aquoso de folhas de mogno (Swietenia macrophylla) em modelo in vivo de doença de Parkinson com lesão com 6-hidroxidopamina

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the presence of classical clinical signs bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, resting tremor and postural instability. The etiology is still unknown and the available treatment options only promote relief of symptoms. Experimental models of PD are fundamental for studies aiming to identify the molecular events involved in the disease and to discover new neuroprotective therapies. This study used a hemiparkinsonism model with lesion induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), and investigated effects of an aqueous extract of leaves of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) on the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and on behavioural parameters assessed in the open-field and apomorphine-induced rotacional tests. The results showed that the 6-OHDA lesioned animals exhibited contralateral rotation induced by apomorphine and significant reduction of dopaminergic neurons in SNpc. However, only 6-OHDA lesioned animals treated with mahogany extract showed significant decrease in relation to the group vehicle/vehicle. There was also a significant decrease in ambulation and rearing in the group 6-OHDA/mahogany. In conclusion, the mahogany extract under the conditions used in the present study potentiated the cytotoxic effect of 6-OHDA and yet promoted worsening of behavioral parameters of the animals.