Effects of human lactoferrin under conditions of neurotoxic exposure: experimental research

BACKGROUND: Translational research using laboratory animals aimed at revealing the features of the pathogenesis of Parkinsons disease serve as a tool for finding new therapeutic strategies. AIM: Was to investigate the effects of human lactoferrin (a multifunctional globular glycoprotein) on behavior the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated mice as the model of dopaminergic neurons loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nigrostriatal dopaminergic injury was induced by single administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (40 mg/kg) to five-month-old C57Bl/6 mice. Behavioral functions were assessed in the open field and rotarod tests and by the stride length analysis. RESULTS: Preliminary administration of lactoferrin resulted in a significant reduction in the severity of nervous system lesions induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. The positive effect of lactoferrin on the exploratory behavior of animals disturbed by neurotoxin, depending on the time of administration, was revealed. Exogenous protein with double preliminary administration had a protective effect on the change in body weight of mice after acute 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine exposure. This suggests a reduction in systemic toxic effects against the background of lactoferrin therapy. CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate the possibility of the potential use of lactoferrin as a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.