Effect of L-Ascorbic Acid on the Climbing Ability and Protein Levels in the Brain of Drosophila Model of Parkinson's Disease

In the present study, the effect of l-ascorbic acid (AA) was studied on the climbing ability of the Parkinson's disease (PD) model Drosophila expressing normal human alpha synuclein (h-alpha s) in the neurons. These flies show locomotor dysfunction as the age progresses. AA at final concentration of 11.35 x 10(-5) M, 22.71 x 10(-5) M, 45.42 x 10(-5) M, and 68.13 x 10(-5) M was added to the diet, and the flies were allowed to feed for 21 days. AA at 11.35 x 10(-5) M did not show any significant delay in the loss of climbing ability of PD model flies. However, AA at 22.71 x 10(-5) M, 45.42 x 10(-5) M, and 68.13 x 10(-5) M showed a dose dependent significant (p < .05) delay in the loss of climbing ability of PD model flies as compared to the untreated PD flies. The total protein concentration in brain homogenate was measured in treated as well as control groups after 21 days, no significant difference was obtained between treated as well as control (PD flies and l-dopa) groups. The results suggest that AA is potent in delaying the climbing disability of the PD model flies expressing h-alpha s in the neurons.