MRI evaluation of neuroprotective effects of Astragaloside Ⅳ on rotenone-induced late-stage Parkinson's disease mice

Astragaloside Ⅳ (AS-Ⅳ) improved the motor behavior of PD mouse but the alteration of imaging in the PD mice brain was unclear. PD models were established by unilateral injection of ROT into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) of mice. AS-Ⅳ (4 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected once a day for 14 days. The pole test and rotarod test were performed to evaluate the alteration of behavior at 32 weeks. The flow cytometry, electrophysiological recordings and MRI were used to assess the neuroprotective effects of AS-IV. AS-Ⅳ ameliorated the motor deficits and reduced the incidence of dystonia in PD animal models. AS-Ⅳ administration inhibited the activation of CD4⁺ T cells and increased the percentage of dopaminergic neurons of burst firing. Meanwhile, AS-Ⅳ altered the brain tissue microstructure and T₂ values in SN. AS-Ⅳ improved motor impairments and efficiently performed a neuroprotective function in ROT-induced mouse model.