Raloxifene and progesterone neuroprotection in a female mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Introduction

Parkinson's disease (PD) main pathological feature involves degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in the brain substantia nigra (SN). Female gonadal steroids are shown to be neuroprotective in animal models of PD and tested mainly in male and less in female animals. Since most women with PD are in menopause the present study tested ovariectomized (OVX) female mice as a model of the hormonal condition of menopause. This study sought the neuroprotective effect of the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) raloxifene and progesterone alone and in combination to protect DA neurons in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned mice as a model of PD.