Background: Pramipexole is one of a new generation of dopamine agonists. Recently there have been questions regarding its neuroprotective effects. These effects have been tested against various insults, which have yielded conflicting results.
Methods: In this study, we introduced a combination of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)/paraquat to induce a severe Parkinson’s disease model. The mice, after receiving the combination of toxins, were evaluated using mortality rates and immunohistochemistry for degenerating tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons.
Results and conclusions: Pramipexole was tested for its capacity to offer protection against neurotoxic the effects of MPTP/paraquat in this model; however, the results showed no improvement with pramipexole therapy.
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