| Objective: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of a new formulated traditional Chinese medicine (FTCM) in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Eighty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A (normal control group), group B (FTCM control group), group C (PD group), group D (FTCM plus PD group). Mice in group B and group D were given FTCM by a gavage daily for one month, and those in group A and group C were given equivalent saline. Rats in group C and group D were injected with MPTP 30 mg/(kg.day) daily for 5 days, and those in group A and group B received equivalent saline only. In the consecutive 5 days, behavioral changes, DA in the corpus striatum, nNOS and iNOS were observed. Results: At 3rd to 5th day after the operation, the climb rod test score in group D was significantly higher than in group C (P<0.05), and at 1st to 5th day after the operation, the swim test score in group D was significantly higher than in group C (P<0.05，0.01). At 5th day after operation, DA in group D was significantly higher than in group C (P<0.05). iNOS mRNA in group D was significantly lower than in group C (P<0.05). Conclusion: FTCM can prevent PD rats from impairment by MPTP to some extent probably by regulating the expression of iNOS in the brain. |
