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. 2012 Jul 11;28(3):253–258. doi: 10.1007/s12264-012-1238-2

Curcumin protects nigral dopaminergic neurons by iron-chelation in the 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson’s disease

Xi-Xun Du 1, Hua-Min Xu 1, Hong Jiang 1, Ning Song 1, Jun Wang 1, Jun-Xia Xie 1,✉
PMCID: PMC5560326  PMID: 22622825

Abstract

Objective

Curcumin is a plant polyphenolic compound and a major component of spice turmeric (Curcuma longa). It has been reported to possess free radical-scavenging, iron-chelating, and anti-inflammatory properties in different tissues. Our previous study showed that curcumin protects MES23.5 dopaminergic cells from 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. The present study aimed to explore this neuroprotective effect in the 6-OHDAlesioned rat model of Parkinson’s disease in vivo.

Methods

Rats were given intragastric curcumin for 24 days. 6-OHDA lesioning was conducted on day 4 of curcumin treatment. Dopamine content was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-containing neurons by immunohistochemistry, and iron-containing cells by Perls’ iron staining.

Results

The dopamine content in the striatum and the number of TH-immunoreactive neurons decreased after 6-OHDA treatment. Curcumin pretreatment reversed these changes. Further studies demonstrated that 6-OHDA treatment increased the number of iron-staining cells, which was dramatically decreased by curcumin pretreatment.

Conclusion

The protective effects of curcumin against 6-OHDA may be attributable to the ironchelating activity of curcumin to suppress the iron-induced degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons.

Keywords: 6-hydroxydopamine, curcumin, Parkinson’s disease, dopaminergic neurons, iron

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