Expression of magnesium transporter SLC41A1 in the striatum of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced parkinsonian rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the mammalian Mg2+ transporter solute carrier family 41, member 1 (SLC41A1) in the striatum (STR) of a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced rat model, and its response to magnesium before the degenerative process commenced.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A unilateral parkinsonian rat model was induced by injection of 6-OHDA into the right medial forebrain bundle. Some rats received MgSO4 (90 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal injection) for 7 or 14 days starting from the day following the 6-OHDA injection. The extent of dopamine depletion was determined by assessing the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and the apomorphine (APO)-induced rotational behavior. The mRNA and protein expression of SLC41A1 in STR were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR and western blotting respectively.

RESULTS: APO-induced rotations increased significantly in the 6-OHDA lesioned rats compared with the controls, with MgSO4 administration significantly improving the behavior. The numbers of TH-immunoreactive neurons in SNc were significantly lower in the lesioned side than in the unlesioned side. Administration of MgSO4 for 14 days partly ameliorated the loss of TH-positive neurons. The mRNA and protein expressions of SLC41A1 in the lesioned STR were lower in the 6-OHDA lesioned rats than in the controls at both 7 and 14 days post-lesion induction. MgSO4 supplementation partly reversed the mRNA and protein expressions of SLC41A1.

CONCLUSION: The regulation of SLC41A1 expression is responsive to magnesium in a 6-OHDA-induced rat model, wherein 6-OHDA may alter magnesium transport in the brain.