Ceftriaxone Decreases MPTP-induced Behavioral Disturbances in Animal Model of Parkinson’s disease

Background and purpose: Progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain is the main mechanism of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recent studies have shown ceftriaxone, a β-lactam antibiotic, to be a neuroprotective in various neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of ceftriaxone on behavioral disturbances of PD in an animal model. Methods: Fifty-six healthy male Wistar rats were selected for this study. They were divided into seven groups according to receiving saline or ceftriaxone, receiving a low or high dose of ceftriaxone and receiving ceftriaxone for short or long periods. Apomorphine-induced rotational test, elevated body swing test and rotarod test were done to examine behavioral performances. Results: Ceftriaxone can effectively diminish behavioral disturbances induced by MPTP in all behavioral tests. Long administration of ceftriaxone was more effective than short administration in lowering behavioral disturbances. High dose of ceftriaxone was more effective than low dose in initial trials of each behavioral test; however, no difference was observed between them in the last trial. Conclusion: Results of the current study suggest that ceftriaxone have neuroprotective effects in PD. To obtain a sufficient neuroprotective effect for lowering behavioral disturbances of PD and also preventing side effects of ceftriaxone, long administration of low dose of ceftriaxone seems the best option.