Objective: To investigate the neuroprotective effects of simvastatin on lipopolysaccharide
(LPS)-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) and the mechanisms involved. Methods:
Hemiparkinsonian rat models were induced by stereotaxieal injection of LPS in the right
substantia nigra compacta. After 2 weeks of simvastatin treatment, rotational behavior test was
performed after the intraperitoneal injection of apomorphine. Expression of tyroxine hydroxylase
(TH) and glial fibrillary acidic protein were analyzed through immunohistochemical staining
of substantia nigra and striatum, and the level of TNF-毩 was evaluated using enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay. Results: Comparing with untreated group, behavioral symptoms of the rats
were significantly less in the rats that received simvastatin treatment. The TH positive cell count
in substantia nigra and striatum were significantly increased (P