The neuroprotective effects of Semax in conditions of MPTP-induced lesions of the brain dopaminergic system

Neurosci Behav Physiol. 2004 May;34(4):399-405. doi: 10.1023/b:neab.0000018752.59465.28.

Abstract

This report describes studies cf the effects of the ACTH(4-10) analog Semax (MEHFPGP) on the behavior of white rats with lesions to the brain dopaminergic system induced by the neurotoxin MPTP. Neurotoxin was given as single i.p. doses of 25 mg/kg. Neurotoxin injections were shown to decrease movement activity and increase anxiety in the animals. Daily intranasal administration of Semax at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg decreased the severity of MPTP-induced behavioral disturbances. The protective activity of Semax in MPTP-induced lesions of the brain dopaminergic system may be associated with both its modulating effect on the dopaminergic system and the neurotrophic action of the peptide.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Anxiety / chemically induced
  • Anxiety / physiopathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dopamine / metabolism*
  • Exploratory Behavior / drug effects
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / chemically induced
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Substantia Nigra / drug effects*
  • Substantia Nigra / metabolism
  • Substantia Nigra / physiopathology

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Peptide Fragments
  • ACTH (4-7), Pro-Gly-Pro-
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • Dopamine