[P38MAPK pathway regulates COX-2 and caspase-3 expression in a mouse model of Parkinson disease].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the effect of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) on the expression of COX-2 and caspase-3 in the substania nigra (SN) of mice with MPTP-induced Parkinson disease (PD).

METHODS:

C57BL/CN mice were treated with MPTP to prepare a subacute PD model, and their behavioral changes following the treatment were observed. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed to detect the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), COX-2 and phosphorylation of P38MAPK in the SN and their changes following treatment with SB203580, a specific inhibitor of P38MAPK.

RESULTS:

The 7-day model group showed typical symptoms of PD with decrements of TH-positive neurons and TH protein level in the SN of the midbrain by about 65% and 75%, respectively (P<0.01). In the 3-day model group, the COX-2-, caspase-3- and phosphorylated P38MAPK-immunoreactive cells and their protein levels in the SN increased markedly with obvious loss of TH-positive neurons. Administration of SB203580 obviously lessened the above changes (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION:

P38MAPK regulates the inflammation and apoptosis in the SN of the mouse model of subacute PD, and SB203580 may provide some neuroprotective effect.

• Authors: Zi-feng Wei, Yong-sheng Wang, Li-ren Ma, Qian Wang, Zuo-feng Zhang, Yu-xin Zhang
• Journal: Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University (Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao) Vol. 29 Issue 10 Pg. 2010-3, 2017 (Oct 2009) ISSN: 1673-4254 [Print] China
• PMID: 19861252 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Ptgs2 protein, mouse
• Cyclooxygenase 2
• p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
• Casp3 protein, mouse
• Caspase 3

Topics

• Animals
• Caspase 3 (genetics, metabolism)
• Cyclooxygenase 2 (genetics, metabolism)
• Male
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred C57BL
• Parkinson Disease (metabolism)
• Signal Transduction
• Substantia Nigra (metabolism)
• p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (metabolism)