Early transcranial direct current stimulation treatment exerts neuroprotective effects on 6-OHDA-induced Parkinsonism in rats

•Early tDCS treatment exerts neuroprotective effect of dopaminergic neurons in PD rats.•Early tDCS treatment delays progressive deterioration of motor deficits in a rat model of PD.•tDCS alleviates 6-OHDA-induced motor deficits in locomotor activity, akinesia, gait pattern of PD rats.•tDCS exerts anti-anxiety effect in PD rat model.