Investigating the neuroprotective effects of Telmisartan using the lipopolysaccharide rat model of Parkinson’s disease

Background : Neuroinflammation has been reported to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). The potential neuroprotective action of the Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) telmisartan was investigated in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) rat model of PD. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of telmisartan on the LPS rat model of PD. Method: Using stereotaxic surgery, LPS was injected into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Rats were assessed behaviorally by apomorphine rotation test, neurochemical tests to measure dopamine concentrations using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrochemical Detector (HPLC-ECD) and the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) concentrations. Results: A reduction in apomorphine induced rotations following administration of telmisartan as compared to the untreated lesioned group was shown, striatal dopamine concentrations were markedly higher in LPS + telmisartan treated rats versus LPS group. Lesioned groups that was treated with telmisartan either before or after surgery displayed a significant reduction in BDNF and TNF-α levels in comparison to LPS only group. Conclusion: Telmisartan has a neuroprotective properties which can protect dopaminergic neurons and has the ability to alleviate and delay the pathophysiological process of PD and to reduce the inflammatory response.