Optimal route of gold nanoclusters administration in mice targeting Parkinson's disease.

To explore the optimal route of gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) administration in mice targeting Parkinson's disease. Assessing the pharmacokinetic and bioavailability of AuNCs in mice administrated following intravenous, intraperitoneal, gavage and intranasal injection. Investigating the biodistribution of AuNCs in mice by atomic absorption spectrometry and transmission electron microscope. Toxicity assessments of AuNCs were carried out both in cells and in mice. Administration of AuNCs via intraperitoneal injection showed the greatest bioavailability and the longest residence in brain. AuNCs could penetrate blood-brain barrier and be excreted mainly through kidney. No obvious toxicity of AuNCs found in cells and in mice. The optimal route of AuNCs administration in mice targeting Parkinson's disease is intraperitoneal administration.