EFFECTS OF NIMODIPINE ON THE METHYL-4-PHENYL-1,2,3,6-TETRAHYDROPYRIDINE-INDUCED DEPLETIONS IN THE BIOGENIC-AMINE LEVELS IN MICE

In view of the calcium hypothesis the effect of nimodipine (Bay c 9736 , CAS 66085-59-4) on the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced induced depletions in dopamine and serotonin were inves tigated in C57-BL/6 mice. Oral treatment with nimodipine (5 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg b. i. d, respectively, for 9 days) prior to, during and follo wing administration of MPTP appeared to attenuate MPTP-induced neuroch emical changes in a dose-related manner. The results suggest that nimo dipine reduces MPTP-induced damages, especially in the serotoninergic system, through its calcium antagonistic effects.