Parkinson's Disease (Jan 2010)

Subtle Cardiovascular Dysfunction in the Unilateral 6-Hydroxydopamine-Lesioned Rat

  • K. Slack,
  • R. Billing,
  • S. Matthews,
  • H. N. Allbutt,
  • R. Einstein,
  • J. M. Henderson

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4061/2010/427810
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2010

Abstract

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The present study evaluated whether the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of Parkinson's disease produces autonomic deficits. Autonomic parameters were assessed by implanting a small radiofrequency telemetry device which measured heart rate variability (HRV), diurnal rhythms of heart rate (HR), core body temperature (cBT) and locomotor activity (LA). Rats then received 6-OHDA lesion or sham surgery. 6-OHDA lesioned rats exhibited head and body axis biases, defective sensorimotor function (“disengage” test), and prominent apomorphine rotation (all P<.05 versus controls). Diurnal rhythm of HR was lower for 6-OHDA lesioned rats (n=8) versus controls (n=6; P<.05). Whilst HR decreased similarly in both groups during the day, there was a greater decrease in HR for the 6-OHDA lesioned rats at night (by 38 b.p.m. relative to 17 b.p.m. for controls). LA and cBT did not differ between surgery groups. This study indicates the unilateral 6-OHDA model of PD shows subtle signs of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.