Creatine reduces 3-nitropropionic-acid-induced cognitive and motor abnormalities in rats

This study assessed whether creatine could attenuate 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP)-induced neuropathological and bebavioral abnormalities that are analo gous to those observed in Huntington's disease (HD). Rats were fed diets co ntaining either 1% creatine or normal rat chow for 2 weeks prior to the ons et of 3NP administration, and for the duration of the study. 3NP was admini stered systemically in gradually increasing concentrations over an 8-week t esting period. Results show that creatine can attenuate 3NP-induced striata l lesions, striatal atrophy, ventricular enlargement, cognitive deficits, a nd motor abnormalities on a balance beam task. Collectively, these findings indicate that creatine provides significant protection against 3NP-induced behavioral and neuropathological abnormalities and may have therapeutic po tential for HD. NeuroReport 11:1833-1837 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wil kins.