The neuroprotective effect of selegiline in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Various complications may develop in diabetes for a long time. One of these complications is diabetic neuropathy. The neuroprotective effect of selegiline was determined in tissue culture and animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective, DNA preservative andantioxidant effects of selegiline with streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. 40 male Wistar albino rats were used. Experimental diabetes was induced with 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of STZ. Rats with 200 mg/dL ≥ plasma glucose levels were accepted as diabetic. Negative control (non diabetic), positive control (diabetic) and selegiline (5 mg/kg, 10mg/kg, 20 mg/kg) groups were established in the study. Selegiline was administered to the rats with intra gastric tube during 21 days. Body weight of rats was diminished in diabetic groups compared with the negative control group (P<0.01). HbA1c level of selegiline of the 20 mg/kg group was lower than the other groups (P<0.05). Proximal and distal amplitude measures of diabetic groups were lower than the negative control group (P<0.05). DNA tail intensity and DNA tail moment values were lower in the selegiline groups compared with the positive control group (P<0.01). Antioxidant parameters (SOD, CAT, GSH) were increased and oxidant parameter (MDA) was diminished in the brain and liver tissues of selegiline 20 mg/kg group (P<0.01). This gathered findings suggest that selegiline administered at 20 mg/kg dose may be effective in reducing diabetic oxidative stress, DNA damage and HbA1c levels.