[Moving activity and wakefulness-sleep cycle changes in a mouse MPTP model of Parkinson's disease].

A group of mice with preliminary implanted (under general anesthesia) electrodes for cortical EEG and nuchal EMG was subjected to continuous baseline 24-hr video and digital polysomnographic recording with the 12/12 light/dark schedule, and then injected subcutaneously with 24 or 48 mg/kg of MPTP toxin or (the control group) saline. The recordings were continued for 2 weeks more. A significant increase in activity and the waking percentage as well as decrease in REM sleep and NREM sleep (tendency) during the dark period as compared to the baseline and control recordings was found. The effect was seen just on the 7th day following MPTP administration and became significant by the 14th day. The effect was more pronounced after 48 mg/kg injection than after 24. There were no changes during the light period. Morphological control revealed a 70% and 35% decreases in the amount of tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons in substancia nigra/pars compacta after 48 and 24 mg/kg of MPTP, respectively, as compared to the saline group.