| Summary: | In this study we tested whether phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, sildenafil and vardenafil, would
afford protection against 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP), which produces striatal lesions that closely mimic
some of the neuropathological features of Huntington's Disease (HD). The neurotoxin was given over 5 days
by constant systemic infusion using osmotic minipumps. Animals treated with PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil or
vardenafil) showed improved neurologic scores, reduced the loss of striatal DARPP-32 protein levels and
lesion volumes, and decreased calpain activation produced by 3NP. This protective effect was independent of
changes in 3NP-induced succinate dehydrogenase inhibition. Furthermore, striatal p-CREB levels along with
the expression of BDNF were significantly increased in sildenafil-treated rats. In summary, PDE5 inhibitors
protected against 3NP-induced striatal degeneration by reducing calpain activation and by promoting
survival pathways. These data encourage further evaluation of PDE5 inhibitors in transgenic mouse models
of HD.
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