NEUROPROTECTIVE EVALUATION OF OCCIDENTALIN-1202 PEPTIDE IN A MURINE MODEL OF PARKINSON`S DISEASE.

Parkinson`s Disease (PD) is characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra (SN), leading to a dopaminergic deficit in the striatum - key structure of motor control in the brain. Aiming to restore dopamine levels exogenously the main treatment involves the use of levodopa, but the drug only provides symptomatic relief and does not prevent the progression of the disease. Furthermore, levodopacauses severe side effects after long-term use. Thus, new treatments for PD are needed and wasp venoms has been remarkable for its therapeutic potential for neurological diseases. Previous studies with the OcTx-1202 peptide from venom wasp have shown antiepileptic and neuroprotective activity.