Motor Coordination Disorders Evaluated through the Grid Test and Changes in the Nigral <i>Nrf2</i> mRNA Expression in Rats with Pedunculopontine Lesion

Abstract

Neurotoxic lesion of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is known to cause subtle motor dysfunctions. However, motor coordination during advance on a discontinuous and elevated surface has not been studied. It is also not known whether there are changes in the mRNA expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) in nigral tissue. Methods: The effects of the unilateral neurotoxic lesion of the PPN in motor coordination evaluated through grid test and Nrf2 mRNA expression in nigral tissue were evaluated. Two experimental designs (ED) were organized: ED#1 behavioral study (7 and 30 days after PPN lesion) and ED#2 molecular biology study (24 h, 48 h and 7 days) after PPN lesion. Results: ED#1—The number of faults made with left limbs, were significant higher in the lesioned groups (p p Nrf2 mRNA expression showed an increase 24 h after PPN injury (p p Nrf2 mRNA expression could represent an adaptive response to oxidative stress in the nigral tissue following pontine injury.

Keywords

• pedunculopontine nucleus
• grid test
• <i>Nrf2</i>
• neurodegeneration