ChangPu YuJin Tang improves Tourette disorder symptoms by modulating amino acid neurotransmitters in IDPN model rats

Abstract

Introduction: Changpu Yujin Tang(CPYJT), a Chinese herbal compound, is an effective therapeutic strategy for pediatric patients with Tourette disorder (TD). Therefore, this work aims to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of CPYJT.

Methods: Behavioral and cellular ultrastructural evaluation of the therapeutic effects of CPYJT in TD model rats. Colorimetric methods, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, and Western Blot were used to measure the altered levels of GLU, GABA, and the levels of VGLUT1, GLUD1, GABRA3, and GAD65 in the cortex, striatum, and thalamus of the TD model rats after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of CPYJT administration.

Results: CPYJT significantly reduced stereotypic behavior and motor behavior scores in TD model rats. CPYJT ameliorates myelin structural damage in TD model rat neuronal cells. CPYJT decreased GLU content, elevated GABA content, decreased GLUD1 and VGLUT1 levels, and elevated GAD65 and GABRA3 levels in TD model rats' cortex, striatum, and thalamus. CPYJT has different regulatory time points in the cortex, striatum, and thalamus for critical factors of amino acid-based neurotransmission.

Conclusion: CPYJT protects behavioral and structural damage of neuronal cells in multiple brain regions in TD model rats.

Keywords: Changpu Yujin Tang; Gamma-aminobutyric acid; Glutamate; Tourette disorder (TD).