Effects of Mitochondrial Antioxidant SkQ1 on Biochemical and Behavioral Parameters in a Parkinsonism Model in Mice

Biochemistry (Mosc). 2017 Dec;82(12):1513-1520. doi: 10.1134/S0006297917120100.

Abstract

According to one hypothesis, Parkinson's disease pathogenesis is largely caused by dopamine catabolism that is catalyzed on mitochondrial membranes by monoamine oxidase. Reactive oxygen species are formed as a byproduct of these reactions, which can lead to mitochondrial damage followed by cell degeneration and death. In this study, we investigated the effects of administration of the mitochondrial antioxidant SkQ1 on biochemical, immunohistochemical, and behavioral parameters in a Parkinson-like condition caused by protoxin MPTP injections in C57BL/6 mice. SkQ1 administration increased dopamine quantity and decreased signs of sensory-motor deficiency as well as destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area in mice with the Parkinson-like condition.

MeSH terms

  • 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid / analysis
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / pathology
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine / analysis
  • Dopamine / analysis
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • MPTP Poisoning / drug therapy*
  • MPTP Poisoning / pathology
  • Maze Learning / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mitochondria / drug effects
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Plastoquinone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Plastoquinone / pharmacology
  • Plastoquinone / therapeutic use
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / metabolism

Substances

  • 10-(6'-plastoquinonyl)decyltriphenylphosphonium
  • Antioxidants
  • 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine
  • Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase
  • Plastoquinone
  • Dopamine