Osthole alleviates MPTP-induced Parkinson’s disease mice by suppressing Notch signaling pathway

AbstractObjectives: Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor dysfunctions. Dopaminergic neuron loss, inflammation and oxidative stress responses play key roles in the pathogenisis of PD. Osthole (Ost), a natural coumarin derivative, isolated from various herbs such as Cnidium monnieri (L.), has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative stress properties. However, whether it has effects on PD is unknown.Methods: In this study, mice were subjected to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) injection to induce PD symptoms, and treated with osthole. Stepping and cylinder tests were performed to determine their motor function. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1). The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress factors were detected by qPCR and ELISA. Notch signaling pathway was investigated by wes...