Evaluating Motor Deficits in MPTP-Induced PD Mice

Cylinder task was used to assess spontaneous forelimb use, while the accelerated Rotarod test assessed motor coordination and balance in the MPTP mouse model of PD [27 (link)]. The cylinder task was performed on the last study day (Day 11). Each mouse was placed for 5 min into a transparent cylinder measuring 11.5 cm in diameter and 25 cm in height and videotaped during the test [28 (link)]. The number of forepaw contacts to the cylinder wall was counted manually. Before the celastrol and MPTP injections (Day 1), rotarod testing recorded the length of time a mouse remained on a rotating rod (Ugo Basile S.R.L., Monvalle, Italy) with auto acceleration from 0 rotation per minute (rpm) to 40 rpm in 5 min (every 10 s plus 5 rpm), to obtain latency-to-fall baseline values. On the last day (Day 11), rotarod testing was performed again to study the effect of celastrol in the MPTP-induced PD mouse models.