1Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical sciences, College of Health sciences, Federal University Wukari, Nigeria
22. Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State, Nigeria.
31. Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
چکیده
Motor dysfunction, often associated with neurodegenerative diseases, significantly impairs the quality of life. 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) is a toxin that attacks mitochondria and causes neurodegeneration by blocking succinate dehydrogenase. This causes neurons to lose energy and die. This neurotoxic effect has been widely utilized to model neurodegenerative conditions characterized by motor dysfunction. Rauwolfia vomitoria (RV), a medicinal plant, possesses neuroprotective properties attributed to its phytoconstituent. However, the specific potentials of RV on motor coordination impairment and oxidative stress induced by 3-NP remain understudied. This study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of RV against 3-NP-induced motor impairment and oxidative stress in mice. Thirty (30) Swiss male mice weighing (19 – 35 g) 10 weeks old were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) and treated as follows: Group I received 2ml distilled water orally (p.o) and served as the control, Group II received 3-NP 15 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p) for 5 days, Group III received 3-NP 15mg/kg i.p and RV 20 mg/kg p.o. Treatment was for 21 days, on the last day of the study, motor coordination was evaluated using the beam walk test. After the neurobehavioral studies, the animals were anaesthetized and blood was collected via cardiac puncture and the sample was assayed for the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and malondialdehyde (MDA). 3-NP significantly impaired motor coordination, as evidenced by the decrease in the number of line crosses, decrease in number of reversals and increase in number of foot slips in the beam walk test. Concurrently, 3-NP induced oxidative stress, as indicated by elevated levels of MDA and a decrease in levels of catalase, SOD, and GSH. Upon administration of RV, a significant amelioration of the motor deficits and attenuated oxidative stress induced by 3-NP occurred, which was evidenced by an increase in the levels of catalase, SOD, and GPX and a reduction in MDA. The findings of the study revealed the neuroprotective-like potential and antioxidant properties of RV in a 3-NP-induced model of motor dysfunction and also suggest RV to be a potential therapeutic agent for movement disorders.