Objective: We aim herein to assess the effect of subchronic Cu-intoxication (0.125%) for 6 weeks on the dopaminergic, serotonergic and astroglial systems together with behavioral injuries. Then, test the beneficial efficacy of curcumin (30 mg/kg B.W.).

Background: Findings support the implication of metal elements, as an environmental risk factor especially copper (Cu), in the neuropathology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) which is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that principally affects the motor system. The classic and evident symptoms of PD namely rigidity, tardiness of movement, and difficulty with walking, result from progressive dopaminergic neurons death within substantia nigra. While, few pharmacological trials have shown a beneficial effect against Cu neurotoxicity, curcumin is one of the powerful phenolic compound with numerous therapeutic effects.

Method: Adult male rats were exposed to 0.125 % of Cu in drinking water for six weeks, together with treatment by oral gavage of curcumin (30 mg/kg B.W.). Locomotor performance was evaluated using the open field and anxiety state was assessed by elevated plus maze, then, rats were scarified for an immunohistochemical analysis of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), serotonin (5-HT), and GFAP.

Results: In Cu-exposed rats, we noted a significant increased innervation of 5HT in dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and Basolateral Amygdala (BLA) outputs; decreased innervation of TH within Substantia nigra (SNc), Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA), and in striatum dorsal. This was correlated with decreased astroglial plasticity in motor cortex, striatum, DRN, SNc and VTA. Such effects were associated with reduced locomotor performance and anxiogenic-like effects; curcumin co-treatment prevented Cu-induced behavioral impairments as well as restored 5-HT, TH and astroglial alterations.

Conclusion: Our results proved that subchronic Cu-exposure induced neurobehavioral features of Parkinsonism and damaged neuroplasticity, this, was alleviated using curcumin treatment. Consequently, curcumin may be valuable in the treatment of metals-induced neurobehavioral deficits. The impairment of monoamine neurotransmitters may be one of the major mechanism implicated.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/subchronic-copper-exposure-induces-parkinsonism-in-rats-neuromodulatory-potential-of-curcumin/