Purpose: Oxidative stress is involved in the pathological process of Parkinson's disease (PD). The present study was designed to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the oxidative stress in a mouse model of PD induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).
Methods: The animals were modulated by tDCS. Behavioral alterations were observed after three weeks of tDCS treatment using rotary performance tests. The mice were sacrificed for the measurement of the level of dopamine (DA), enzymatic tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), nonenzymatic malonaldehyde (MDA), an enzymatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the mouse brain and serum.
Results: The mice treated with MPTP had an increased MDA level but a decreased SOD and GSH-Px activity, as well as a behavior impairment. These abnormalities were significantly attenuated by tDCS treatment and by levodopa and benserazide.
Discussion: The study demonstrated that the tDCS could have a potential for the therapeutic usage in the PD.
Keywords: Behavior; MPTP; Parkinson's disease; mouse; tDCS.
© 2015 International Neuromodulation Society.