Title : The Effects of Neurotrophin-3 in Zebrafish Parkinson Model
Abstract:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a multisystem neurodegenerative disorder characterized by heterogenous clinical features associated with Lewy bodies and loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Currently, PD is managed using several disease-modifying agents that aim on managing but unfortunately not to cure the disease. Neurotrophins are diffusible peptides secreted from neurons and glial cells that have gained increasing popularity for their neuroprotective role in Parkinson’s neurodegenerative diseases treatment. Hence, this study aims we want to look for identify the effects of a relatively recent neurotrophin, neurotrophin-3 in zebrafish PD model. In this study, we induced PD was induced in zebrafish using 1-methyl-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 100µg/g) intraperitoneal injection. Following induction, the zebrafish received recombinant neurotrophin-3 protein (rNT3) via cerebroventricular intracranial microinjection (CVMI). The animals were assessed on day-3, day-5, and day-10 of the post-treatment. The locomotor assessment showed a significant improvement in the exploratory behavior of the fish from the time spent on the top half of the tank and the latency to reach the top (p<0.05). The speed and total distance have improved for all treatment groups but did not reach statistical significance. The expression of th1, dat, ntf3, and bdnf gene genes has have also shown significant changes compared to their respective PD models (p<0.05). Following that, the chromogenic immunohistochemistry tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining improved significantly in PD-specific regions in the treatment group compared to the PD model (p<0.05). NT3 has been shown to provide benefits in the zebrafish PD model. More studies need to be conducted on the treatment regime and potential drug carrier to transport NT3 across the blood-brain barrier in humans.
What will the audience learn from your presentation?
• The role of neurotrophin-3 in Parkinson’s Disease in an in-vivo study.
• This is the first study conducted in the zebrafish model using this neurotrophic factor. We have established the dosage required for a zebrafish model, and the molecular assessment following treatment.
• This study will open more ideas and opportunities for using different types of neuronal growth factors in searching for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.
• The NT3 has also shown features of anxiolytics in the locomotor assessment, hence may provide benefits in the study for anxiety disorder as well.
