Abstract
Introduction:
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurological disorder whose pathogenesis involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons and dopamine terminals, formation of Lewy bodies, and microgliosis. Its treatment includes dopamine-based drugs with limited results and adverse effects. Additionally, some neuroleptic drugs used for mental disorders produce side effects referred to as parkinsonism. Dietary interventions with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) have attracted attention since they play a key role in most of the processes associated with PD etiology.
Objective:
The purpose of our work was to investigate the effects of an ω-3 PUFA rich algal oil on locomotive alterations induced by haloperidol and D2 receptor protein and gene expression in Wistar rats.
Methodology:
Pre- and co-supplementation of algal oil (300 mg of ω-3 FA/kg/day for six weeks) and haloperidol (1.5 mg/kg/day for two weeks) were evaluated.
Results:
Haloperidol provoked locomotive alterations in the Open Field Test and a 43% diminution in D2 receptor in brain membranes; in pre-supplemented rats a 93% increase in D2 receptor protein expression and a partial maintenance of locomotory performance were observed, while in co-supplemented rats D2 receptor protein expression was maintained as in control rats, although locomotive behavior was found diminished as in haloperidol rats.
Conclusions:
These results confirm the beneficial effects of ω-3 PUFA over locomotory alterations and as neuroprotective and neurorestorative compounds and demonstrates a stimulatory action on D2 receptor presence, as a mechanism by which these fatty acids participate in brain health.
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