Neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of tripchlorolide, an extract of Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, on dopaminergic neurons.

摘要: It has been reported recently that the immunosuppressant FK506 produced neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons in vitro vivo. We investigated whether tripchlorolide, an immunosuppressive extract of Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, could exert similar to those FK506. was found tripchlorolide promoted axonal elongation protected from a neurotoxic lesion induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) at concentrations as low 10(-12) 10(-8) M. In situ hybridization study revealed stimulated brain-derived factor (BDNF) mRNA expression. vivo administration (1 microg/kg, ip) for 28 days effectively attenuated rotational behavior challenged D-amphetamine model rats transection medial forebrain bundle. addition, treatment (0.5 or 1 microg/kg/day days) increased survival substantia nigra pars compacta 50 67%, respectively. Moreover, markedly prevented decrease amount dopamine striatum rats. Taken together, our data provide first evidence acts molecule rescues MPP+ axotomy-induced degeneration neurons, which may imply its therapeutic potential Parkinson's disease. The underlying mechanism be relevant effect efficacy stimulating expression BDNF.