Subtle Cardiovascular Dysfunction in the Unilateral 6-Hydroxydopamine-Lesioned Rat

The present study evaluated whether the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of Parkinson's disease produces autonomic deficits. Autonomic parameters were assessed by implanting a small radiofrequency telemetry device which measured heart rate variability (HRV), diurnal rhythms of heart...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: K. Slack, R. Billing, S. Matthews, H. N. Allbutt, R. Einstein, J. M. Henderson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2010-01-01
Series:Parkinson's Disease
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.4061/2010/427810
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The present study evaluated whether the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of Parkinson's disease produces autonomic deficits. Autonomic parameters were assessed by implanting a small radiofrequency telemetry device which measured heart rate variability (HRV), diurnal rhythms of heart rate (HR), core body temperature (cBT) and locomotor activity (LA). Rats then received 6-OHDA lesion or sham surgery. 6-OHDA lesioned rats exhibited head and body axis biases, defective sensorimotor function (“disengage” test), and prominent apomorphine rotation (all P<.05 versus controls). Diurnal rhythm of HR was lower for 6-OHDA lesioned rats (n=8) versus controls (n=6; P<.05). Whilst HR decreased similarly in both groups during the day, there was a greater decrease in HR for the 6-OHDA lesioned rats at night (by 38 b.p.m. relative to 17 b.p.m. for controls). LA and cBT did not differ between surgery groups. This study indicates the unilateral 6-OHDA model of PD shows subtle signs of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.
ISSN:2042-0080