The effect of growth hormone on motor findings and dendrite morphology in an experimental Parkinson's disease model

Approaches for the induction of neurogenesis and neuronal recovery through several modalities are gaining popularity in Parkinson's disease (PD). Growth hormone (GH) seems to have a role in the reversal of neural function following brain injury as well as in normal brain development and function; therefore, the use of GH may represent a feasible strategy in the management of PD. This experimental study aimed to evaluate the effect of growth hormone on motor function and dendrite morphology in rats with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD model. Thirty-six Sprague Dawley rats were included and randomly allocated into one of the six study groups: two controls and four treatment groups that received daily subcutaneous growth hormone injections for 21 days, 1, 2, and 3 months. PD model was induced through unilateral 6-OHDA injection to the nigrostriatal pathway. The following assessments were made: apomorphine rotation test, stepping test, and tissue examinations for tyrosine hydroxylase and dendrite morphology. The apomorphine rotation test and the stepping test confirmed the presence of PD. These tests as well as dendritic spine density/number and length assessments showed improvement in PD findings over time with GH administration. Findings of this study suggest that GH administration may improve dendrite morphology and motor function in the PD model, which may translate into symptom relief and quality of life improvement in patients with PD. Such potential benefits should be tested in robust clinical studies.