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The effect of the modulators of the mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channel (mitoKATP) on the structural and biochemical alterations in the substantia nigra and brain tissues was studied in a rat model of Parkinson's disease induced by rotenone. It was found that, in experimental parkinsonism accompanied by characteristic motor deficits, both neurons and the myelin sheath of nerve fibers in the substantia nigra were affected. Changes in energy and ion exchange in brain mitochondria were also revealed. The nucleoside uridine, which is a source for the synthesis of the mitoKATP channel opener uridine diphosphate, was able to dose-dependently decrease behavioral disorders and prevent the death of animals, which occurred for about 50% of animals in the model. Uridine prevented disturbances in redox, energy, and ion exchanges in brain mitochondria, and eliminated alterations in their structure and the myelin sheath in the substantia nigra. Cytochemical examination showed that uridine restored the indicators of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The specific blocker of the mitoKATP channel, 5-hydroxydecanoate, eliminated the positive effects of uridine, suggesting that this channel is involved in neuroprotection. Taken together, these findings indicate the promise of using the natural metabolite uridine as a new drug to prevent and, possibly, stop the progression of Parkinson's disease.
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