Objective: The present study was intended to investigate the effect of L-theanine against 3-NP induced striatal toxicity.

Background: L-theanine is unique amino acid which readily crosses blood brain barrier and posses neuroprotective potential against neurodegenerative disorders including Huntington Disease (HD). HD is characterized by selective loss of GABAergic medium spiny neurons.

Methods: Rats were administered with 3-NP for 21 days. L-theanine was given once a day, 1 hour prior to 3-NP treatment for 21 days and L-NAME (NOS inhibitor) and L-arginine (NOS activator) were administered 1 hour prior to L-theanine treatment. Body weight, behavioral parameters (locomotor activity, grip strength, narrow beam walk) observation was done on 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day after 3-NP treatment. On 21st day, animals were sacrificed and rat striatum was isolated for biochemical (mitochondrial complex- II, LPO, GSH and nitrite), and neurochemical analysis (GABA, Glutamate, DA, NE, 5-HT).

Results: 3-NP treatment significantly altered body weight, locomotor activity, motor coordination, mitochondrial complex-II activity, oxidative defence, and striatal neurotransmitters level i.e. GABA, glutamate, catecholamines, whereas L-theanine treatment (25 & 50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) significantly prevented these alterations. Concurrent treatment of L-NAME with L-theanine (25 mg/kg/day, p.o.) significantly enhanced protective effect of L-theanine (25 mg/kg/day, p.o.) whereas concurrent treatment of L-arginine with L-theanine (50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) significantly decreased the protective effect of L-theanine (50 mg/kg/day, p.o.).

Conclusions: The neuroprotective potential of L-theanine involves inhibition of detrimental nitric oxide production and prevention of neurotransmitters alteration in striatum.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/beneficial-effect-of-l-theanine-against-3-nitropropionic-acid-induced-neurotoxicity-in-rats-possible-role-of-neurotransmitters-and-nitric-oxide/