Effects of Eldepryl on autophagy and autophagy-related protein in substantia nigra and striatum in rats with Parkinson's disease

Objective To examine the effects of eldepryl on autophagy and autophagy-related proteins such as Beclin1 and LC3 in the substantia nigra and striatum in a rat model of Parkinson disease(PD).MethodsA total of 72 SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group(n=24), PD model group(n=24)and Eldepryl treatment group(n=24). Each group was further divided into 4 d and 8 d subgroups following the establishment of PD model. The model of PD was established by subcutaneous injection of rotenone in rats. The expression of Beclin1 and LC3 in the substantia nigra and striatum was detected by using immunohistochemistry and western blotting.ResultsThe expression levels of Beclin1, LC3 and LC3II/LC3 I in the substantia nigra and striatum were increased in the model group than in the sham operation group(all P 0.05). The increase in expression of Beclin1,LC3 and LC3II/LC3 I was more obvious at 8 d than at4 d group(all P 0.05). The expression levels of Beclin1, LC3 and LC3II/LC3 I in the substantia nigra and striatum were reduced in the eldepryl treatment group than in the model group(all P 0.01). The expression levels of Beclin1, LC3 and LC3II/LC3 I were significantly lower at 8 d than at 4 d groups(all P 0.05) in eldepryl treatment group.ConclusionsEldepryl can protect against PD through inhibition of autophagy in the substantia nigra and striatum in rats.