Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the brain targeting potential of chitosan-coated oil in water nanoemulsions (CSNE
ROP
) delivered intranasally in haloperidol-induced Parkinson's disease rat models. Methods: Chitosan-coated nanoemulsion (CSNE
ROP
) was developed through aqueous titration followed by a high pressure homogenization method. Results: Gamma-scintigraphy study showed a significantly high mucoadhesive potential of CSNE
ROP
and least for conventional and homogenized formulations. Confocal study showed deep localization of formulations in the brain confirming the permeation potential of CSNE
ROP
. Pharmacokinetic results of CSNE
ROP
in Wistar rat brain and plasma showed a significantly high (p** < 0.005) AUC
0→24
and amplified C
max
over i.v treatment group. Neurobehavioral activity (rotarod and swim tests) and biochemical parameters (glutathion, TBARS and SOD) corroborated well with the pharmacokinetic results. The order of dopamine recovery in haloperidol-induced Wistar rats was found to be
i.n
CSNE
ROP
group>
i.n
Soln
ROP
group>
i.v
Soln
ROP
group>haloperidol group. Conclusions: Finally, the investigation demonstrated that intranasal delivery of mucoadhesive nanocarrier might play as a potential candidate in the management of Parkinson's disease and related brain disorders.