Behavior alteration and damage of dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra caused by rotenone in rats

Objective To investigate the behavior changes and damage of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra in rats by different doses of rotenone. Method Different doses of rotenone were injected into substantia nigra in rats to observe the behavior changes and damage of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra by immunohistochemistry. Result 21days after rotenone was administrated, behavior test was 2-4 score (91.3% ) for 2.5μg/2μl rotenone injection of rats and the percentage of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra was 0.22±0.06%;behavior test was 4-6 score (78.2% ) for 5.0 μg/2μl rotenone injection of rats and the percentage of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra was 0.17±0.03%. Conclusion Injection of rotenone can cause the behavior changes and damage of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, which is similar to those of Parkinson disease models.