Toxic Effects of Rotenone on Substantia Nigra of Rats

Objective To study the toxic effects of rotenone on substantia nigra of rats. Methods Rotenone was given subcutaneously once a day during 28 days. Substantia nigra was dissected. Morphology of dopamine neuron, synapse and myelin sheath were observed. SOD and GSH-Px activity were assayed; MDA and GSH contents were measured. Results Autonomic activities of rats decreased, similar to Parkinson's Symptoms. Morphology of dopamine neuron changed, synapse structures were abnormal, synapse vesicals increased and myelin sheath degenerated. MDA content increased (P0.01) and GSH content decreased(P0.01). SOD and GSH-Px activity declined(P0.01). Conclusion Dopamine neuron is damaged and symptoms asimilar to Parkinson's Diseases of rats are induced by rotentone. Oxidative stress is involved in the toxic effects of rats treated with rotenone.