Enrichment-induced behavioural changes in MPTP mice.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor deficits due to dopaminergic neuron loss. Neuro-protective effects of enriched environment have been well established. Therefore, it is of interest to examine the effects of enriched housing in a 1-methyl-4- phenyl 1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of PD. Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice were divided into standard and enriched housing groups, with MPTP or saline treatment. MPTP mice in standard housing showed impaired motor function, whereas MPTP mice in enriched housing did not show decline in motor function, demonstrating the beneficial effects of environmental enrichment in MPTP mice.