The protective mechanism of docosahexaenoic acid in mouse model of Parkinson: The role of hemeoxygenase.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra (SN). Its major clinical symptoms are tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential fatty acid for neural functions that resides within the neural membrane. A decline in fatty acid concentration is observed in case of neurodegenerative diseases such as PD. The present study aimed to explore the role of the heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme in protective effects of DHA administration in an experimental model of PD by using the neurotoxin 1-Methly-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).