Saffron pre-treatment offers neuroprotection to Nigral and retinal dopaminergic cells of MPTP-Treated mice.
BACKGROUND
There is growing evidence that the spice saffron, which contains powerful anti-oxidants, offers protection against neurodegenerative disorders, including age-related macular degeneration and Alzheimer's disease.


OBJECTIVE
We examined whether saffron pre-treatment protects dopaminergic cells of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and retina in an acute MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) mouse model of Parkinson's disease.


METHODS
BALB/c mice received MPTP or saline injections over a 30 hour period, followed by six days survival. For five days prior to injections, the drinking water of the saffron groups was supplemented with saffron (0.01% w/v), while non-saffron groups received normal tap water. After the survival period was complete, brains were processed for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunochemistry and the number of TH+ cells was analysed using the optical fractionator method.


RESULTS
In both the SNc and retina, non-conditioned MPTP-injected mice had a reduced number of TH+ cells (30-35%) compared to the saline-injected controls. Saffron pre-conditioning mitigated the reduction, with pre-conditioned MPTP-injected mice having SNc and retinal TH+ cell numbers close to control levels, significantly (25-35%) higher than in non-conditioned MPTP-injected mice.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicated that saffron pre-treatment of mice saved many dopaminergic cells of the SNc and retina from parkinsonian (MPTP) insult.
Discipline of Physiology, University of Sydney, Australia.
Sivaraman
S
Purushothuman
Charith
C
Nandasena
Cassandra L
CL
Peoples
Nabil
N
El Massri
Daniel M
DM
Johnstone
John
J
Mitrofanis
Jonathan
J
Stone
D015632:1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000818:Animals; D027622:Crocus; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D059290:Dopaminergic Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*; D020267:MPTP Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000473:pathology; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012160:Retina / Q000166:cytology; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000187:drug effects*
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D009498:Neurotoxins; D028321:Plant Preparations; D015632:1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine