Neuroprotective Role of Green Tea Polyphenols on the Superior Colliculus in MPTP Mice Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the neuroprotective role of green tea polyphenols on the superior colliculus of MPTP mice model of Parkinson’s disease. Study Design: Twenty-five adult male mice (Mus musculus) weighing between 20-30 grams were used for this study. The mice were randomly placed into five groups of five mice each: A (Control; mice pellets), B (MPTP 10mg/kg, IP), C (MPTP + GT; 300 mg/kg GT orally), D (GT + MPTP), E (GT; 300 mg/kg). Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Anatomy, Babcock University. Between February and May 2016. Methodology: The brains were removed weighed and the midbrain excised processed histology and stained routinely with H&E and silver stains. Results: The results showed significant (P<0.005) reduction in the relative brain to body weight and neuronal density in the superior colliculus; characterized by neuronal atrophy as signaled by vacuolations and pyknosis in the MPTP and green tea only groups. Whereas pre-treatment with green tea polyphenol resulted in significant (P<0.005) increase in the relative brain to body weight and increase in the superior colliculus neuronal density when compared with the MPTP and green tea only groups. Conclusion: From our results we can conclude that pre-treatment with green tea polyphenols confers greater protection on the superior colliculus in MPTP mice model of Parkinson’s disease.