Influence of simvastatin on dopaminergic neurons of lipopolysaccharide-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the neuroprotective effects of simvastatin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat model ofParkinson's disease(PD) and the mechanisms involved.Methods:Hemiparkinsonian rat models were induced by stereotaxieal injection ofLPS in the right substantia nigra compacta.After2 weeks of simvastatin treatment, rotational behavior test was performed after the intraperitoneal injection of apomorphine.Expression of tyroxine hydroxylase (TH) and glial fibrillary acidic protein were analyzed through immunohistochemical staining of substantia nigra and striatum, and the level ofTNF-α was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Comparing with untreated group, behavioral symptoms of the rats were significantly less in the rats that received simvastatin treatment.TheTH positive cell count in substantia nigra and striatum were significantly increased(P<0.05) andTNF-α expression was significantly decreased(P<0.05) in simvastatin group compared to untreated group.Conclusions:Simvastatin could effectively inhibit the activation of astrocytes, reduceTNF-α expression, and exert anti-inflammatory effects, and thus protect the dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra and striatum of the rat model ofPD.