Impact of the Chronic Omega‐3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Hemiparkinsonism Model Induced by 6‐Hydroxydopamine in Rats

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The neuronal degeneration may result from the convergence of a number of different pathogenic factors, including apoptosis, excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. Many studies emphasize the importance of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) in vital processes such as maintenance of the properties of cell membranes and the participation in signal transduction and biodynamic activity of neuronal membranes. In the present study, the protective effect of ω-3 PUFAs administration on the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of PD in rats was investigated. ω-3 PUFAs (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg) was orally administered by gavage during 28 consecutive days to male Wistar rats. On the 4th day, hemiparkinsonism was induced through intrastriatal injection of 6-OHDA. On the 25th day, the animals were submitted to behavioural analysis. On the 28th day, after euthanasia, the brain areas were collected for neurochemical evaluation. ω-3 PUFAs (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg) restored monoamine and amino acids levels on the striatum from hemiparkinsonian rats, followed by reduction of the number of apomorphine-induced rotations and promotion of a partial locomotor recovery. In addition, ω-3 PUFAs (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg) decreased the lipid peroxidation levels and nitrite levels in the brain areas from hemiparkinsonian rats. Thus, the present study suggests that supplementation with ω-3 PUFAs prevents behavioural and neurochemical disturbances induced by 6-OHDA, presenting a potential neuroprotective action. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.