Changes in the structure of the sodium-potassium pump in different parts of the rat brain after administration of the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine neurotoxin

Introduction. The variety of non-motor symptoms at the preclinical stage of Parkinson’s disease makes it relevant to search for adequate and simple methods for their modeling in rodents. Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal administration of the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) neurotoxin to mice is one of the most common models of experimental parkinsonism in rodents. Intranasal administration of this neurotoxin to rats remains a less studied but promising way to induce moderate damage to brain dopaminergic neurons without causing motor symptoms in animals.
Material and methods. MPTP was administered intranasally to 28 Wistar rats. After 16 days, 9 brain structures were extracted and the content of three α-subunits of Na/K-ATPase was evaluated by Western Blotting.
Results. We found that a single intranasal administration of neurotoxin to rats led to a decrease in the content of α1- and α2-subunits and an increase in the content of α3-subunits of Na/K-ATPase in various parts of the rat cerebral cortex, including the olfactory bulbs. In subcortical structures, changes were found only in the striatum and hippocampus.
Conclusions. The obtained data suggest a change in the functional activity of brain neurons in the structures associated with the acquisition and execution of instrumental reflexes in rats. Key words: parkinsonism, MPTP, intranasal, Na/K-ATPase
Conflicts of interest. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Funding. The research was carried out within the framework of the scientific project of the state assignment of the Lomonosov Moscow State University (No.121032500080-8).