Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases and the pharmacological effects of Shen-wu Capsule.MethodsSD rats were divided into 6 groups with 10 rats each:model group was developed by peritoneal injection of 3-nitropropionic acid(3-NPA) 20mg/kg, once every another day. Haloferidoli was used as the positive drug (given to positive control group from 10μg/100g/day to 100μg/100g/day, during modeling). Low dose of Shen-wu Capsule is 0.45g/kg; middle dose of Shen-wu Capsule is 0.9g/kg; high dose of Shen-wu Capsule is 1.8g/kg (once a day for 25days). The rats in normal control group were peritoneally injected with saline and were fed with water.The open field test was used to test the space recognition ability and excitability of CNS of rats. The climbing test was used to test strength of muscles.The content of dopamine(DA) and it's metabolite dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC),5-HT in stratium of all groups were detected by high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC-ECD).ResultsThe 3-NPA model rats showed decrease of activity, rigidity and stagger just like clinical patients with Huntington's diseases. In open field test all indexes of 3-NPA model rats are decreased (P<0.05), while Shen-wu Capsule low dose and high dose can improve all the indexes. There is no difference in strength of muscles among all groups. The content of DA,DOPAC and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were distinctly decreased in 3-NPA model rats(P<0.01); rats in three groups of Shen-wu Capsule and positive drug control groups showed increased content of these neurotransmitter(P<0.01). Conclusions Rats injected with 3-NPA can mimic the abnormal behaviors and changes of neurotransmitter in stratium of Huntington's patients, Shen-wu Capsule can ameliorate the behavior of model animals and improve the content of DA,DOPAC and 5-HT in stratium.

Key words: 3-nitropropionic acid(3-NPA), Huntington's disease, dopamine, stratium, Chinese herbs