Figure 2.

Reduction of dopamine levels relates to a decreased sucrose consumption preference, forelimb strength, and motor coordination. Mice were administered with saline solution, mLPS (100 μg/kg twice a week for three months), sLPS (5 mg/kg), and MPTP (30 mg/kg for five consecutive days). Motor coordination score in mice of the different experimental groups (a). The number of mice that successfully reached the bar support (b) is indicated with colored bars. Mice that did not reach the bar support are indicated with gray stripes. Data represent mean ± SEM (n = 10‐12) and were analyzed by chi-square and logistic regression. Percentage of sucrose consumption preference in mice of the different experimental groups (c). Data represent mean ± SEM (n = 9‐11) and were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, followed by a Tukey's post hoc test. Different letters indicate significant differences among the experimental groups (P < 0.05). Striatal dopamine (d) and serotonin (e) levels were determined in mice administered with saline solution, mLPS, sLPS, and MPTP by HPLC. Data represent mean ± SEM (n = 5‐6) and were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, followed by a Tukey's post hoc test. Different letters indicate significant differences among the experimental groups (P < 0.05). Determination of MAO-B activity in the substantia nigra of mice administered with saline solution, treated with mLPS and sLPS (f). Data represent mean ± SEM (n = 7‐8) and were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, followed by Dunn's test. Different letters indicate significant differences among the experimental groups (P < 0.05).