Acyl-ghrelin attenuates neurochemical and motor deficits in the 6-OHDA model of Parkinson’s disease

The feeding-related hormone, acyl-ghrelin, protects dopamine neurons in murine 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-based models of experimental Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the potential protective effect of acyl-ghrelin on substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) dopaminergic neurones and consequent behavioural correlates in the more widely used 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat medial forebrain bundle (MFB) lesion model of PD are unknown. To address this question, acyl-ghrelin levels were raised directly by mini-pump infusion for 7-days prior to unilateral injection of 6-OHDA into the MFB with assessment of amphetamine–induced rotations on days 27 and 35, and immunohistochemical analysis of dopaminergic neurone survival. While acyl-ghrelin treatment was insufficient to elevate food intake or body weight, it attenuated amphetamine-induced circling behaviour and SNpc dopamine neurone loss induced by 6-OHDA. These data support the notion that elevating circulating acyl-ghrelin may be a valuable approach to slow or impair progression of neurone loss in PD. Highlights Acyl-ghrelin attenuates SNpc dopamine cell loss in rat 6-OHDA-lesion model of PD Acyl-ghrelin attenuates motor deficits in rat 6-OHDA-lesion model of PD