Neuroprotective effects of Celecoxib on the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra in MPTP-induced C57BL6 mice

ObjectivesTo investigate whether Celecoxib can prevent the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) in 1-methy-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetra -hydropyridine (MPTP) induced C57BL6 mice. Methods Thirty male C57BL6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: PBS group , physiologic saline + MPTP group and Celecoxib + MPTP group. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)positive neurons and the morphological changes of COX-2 positive microglias in the substantia nigra (SN) were observed by immunohistochemistry. COX-2 protein expression was examined by immuno blotting. ResultsCompared with PBS control group, TH-positive neurons in the saline plus MPTP group were obviously reduced (P 0.05), COX-2 protein expression in the saline group was upregulated. Compared with the saline group, TH-positive neurons survived in Celecoxib group were upregulated, (P 0.05) and Celecoxib significantly decreased the levels of COX-2 protein expression. Conclusion The loss of DA neurons in the substantia nigra has correlation with the expression of COX-2. Celecoxib could protect the DA neurons in the substantia nigra.