Synergistic action of vitamin D3 and A on motor activity regulation in mice model of extrapyramidal syndrome: Correlational insights into astrocyte regulation, cytokine modulation, and dopaminergic activity

• Published in: Journal of chemical neuroanatomy 2024-07, Vol.138, p.102421, Article 102421
• Main Authors: Sirajo, Mujittapha U., Maigari, Yahya K., Sunusi, Abdulrashid, Jibril, Adam N., Lawal, Isa Usman, Ibrahim, Badamasi M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activated astrocytes; Animals; Astrocytes - drug effects; Astrocytes - metabolism; Basal Ganglia Diseases - chemically induced; Basal Ganglia Diseases - metabolism; Cholecalciferol - pharmacology; Corticobasal loop; Cytokines - metabolism; Disease Models, Animal; Dopamine - metabolism; Extrapyramidal syndrome; Inflammation; Male; Mice; Motor Activity - drug effects
• ISSN: 0891-0618; 1873-6300; 1873-6300
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2024.102421

Extrapyramidal syndromes (EPS) represent neurological side effects of antipsychotic medications, characterized by motor disturbances. While previous studies have indicated the neuroprotective effects of vitamin D and A against EPS, the underlying mechanisms of this protection remain unclear. Twenty-four adult mice were categorized into four groups: positive and negative control groups, one receiving a dopamine antagonist, and the other receiving both a dopamine antagonist and vitamins D and A. Sections of the corticobasal loop, specifically the motor cortex (M1) and basal nuclei (CPu), were prepared for Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and stained with Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) to visualize reactive astrocytes. ELISA assays for TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, IL-13, and dopamine levels were performed on homogenized brain sections. The EPS group exhibited a significant increase in TNF-α and IL-6 levels in M1 and CPu. Treatment with dopamine agonists and vitamin D&A resulted in significant reductions in IL-6 levels. Only the Vitamin D&A group showed a significant decline in TNF-α. The EPS group recorded significant decreases in IL-4 and IL-13, with IL-13 significantly elevated in the dopamine agonist and Vitamin D&A groups. IL-4 was notably increased in the Vitamin D&A groups. Dopamine concentration significantly declined in the EPS group, with improvements observed in the groups treated with dopamine agonists, and vitamin D&A. Reactive astrocytes were significantly expressed in the M1 and CPu of the EPS group but poorly expressed in other groups. EPS is linked to astrocyte activation, an upsurge in pro-inflammatory cytokines, a decline in anti-inflammatory cytokines, and dopamine in the corticobasal loop. Administration of vitamin D3 and A was found to suppres pro-inflammatory cytokines and repress anti-inflammatory cytokines associated with astrocyte activation. •TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated in corticobasal loop of EPS mice model.•Dopamine agonists and vitamins D&A reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels.•IL-4 and IL-13 decreased in EPS but rose with vitamin D&A.•Dopamine declined in EPS but improved with vitamin D&A treatment.•Reactive astrocytes were prominent in EPS but not in other groups.