Tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the midbrain of Parkinson's disease model rats treated with Xifeng Dingchan decoction

摘要

This study showed that abnormal behavioral changes were greatly improved in rats displaying Parkinson's disease-like symptoms after intragastric administration of Xifeng Dingchan decoction at 15,7.5,3.75 g/kg per day.In addition,tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA expression in the substantia nigra of the midbrain was up-regulated,and tyrosine hydroxylase content in the midbrain ventral tegmentum and substantia nigra pars compacta was also increased.The effect of administration of Xifeng Dingchan decoction at 7.5 g/kg per day was similar to that of Madopar at 67.5mg/kg per day.These results indicate that the therapeutic effect of Xifeng Dingchan decoction on Parkinson's disease is associated with the up-regulated protein and mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the midbrain.