Neurosteroid 17β-estradiol reduces motor dysfunctions in a 6-OHDA-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Several experimental models have been developed to fulfill the clinical, morphological, and neurochemical criteria, mimic the neuropathological lesion, and allow defining therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s Disease. The unilateral injection of 6-OHDA in the leftcorpus striatum produces a progressive degeneration of the nigrostriatal system on the injured side, allowing internal comparison with the intact contralateral side. This condition is called hemiparkinsonism. Motor impairments generated in the unilateral administration model can be assessed by tests that examine, among other signs, akinesia, body axis deviation, drug-induced asymmetric rotational behavior, and spontaneous motor behaviors. Some evidence has suggested that female sex hormones may influence the onset and severity of the symptoms, suggesting a possible protective influence of estradiol on disease predisposition. The present work’s objective is to evaluate the potential effects of 17β-estradiol on motor dysfunction in a 6-OHDA-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease. Treatment with 17β-estradiol produced some interesting effects on activity and functionality in motor performance. If degeneration is not severe, this treatment could be a neuroprotective agent. In conclusion, the neurosteroid 17β-estradiol reduces motor dysfunctions in a 6-OHDA-induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease. These investigations contribute to the recognition of the potential impact of steroid sex hormones on nervous system injuries.