Does 1-(R)-aminoindan possess neuroprotective properties against experimental Parkinson's disease?

The anti-Parkinsonian, monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor drug, rasagiline (Azilect®), is primarily metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 1A2-mediated N-dealkylation to form its major metabolite, 1-(R)-aminoindan. The present study was undertaken to further investigate, for the first time, the possible neuroprotective effect of 1-(R)-aminoindan in two rat models of Parkinson's disease, the 6-hydroxydopamine- and lactacystin (a proteasomal inhibitor)-induced nigrostriatal degeneration. 1-(R)-aminoindan reversed behavioral asymmetry and restored striatal catecholamine levels in these two rat models and significantly protected neurons from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. These observations indicate that 1-(R)-aminoindan may contribute to the overall neuroprotective activity of its parental compound, rasagiline.