Figure 5.

The neuroprotective effects of calpain inhibition on MPTP-induced toxicity in mice is associated with normalized locomotor behaviors. Two weeks after saline or MPTP treatment, groups of mice were assessed for spontaneous motor activity in a novel environment (open field) for a 60 min period, as described in Materials and Methods (a). Horizontal locomotor activity was reported as distance traveled (mean ± SEM; *ANOVA, p < 0.001; Newman-Keuls, p < 0.01; either group vs VEH-MPTP). Additional groups of mice were administered amphetamine(2.0 mg/kg, i.p.), and hyperactivity was measured in their home cages using beam-break activity monitors (b). Total activity over 30 min is plotted as mean ± SEM. Data represent n = 6-9 per group per treatment for a and b.