Toxic effects of perinatal lead exposure on the brain of rats: involvement of oxidative stress and the beneficial role of antioxidants

Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Jun;46(6):2089-95. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2008.01.053. Epub 2008 Feb 23.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes occur in the brain of lead-exposed rats (300mgPb/L in drinking water) and to investigate the potential benefit of the administration of some natural antioxidants (Zn 20mg/L+vitamins A 50.000U/L, C 2g/L, E 500mg/L and B6 500mg/L) during pregnancy and lactation. Lead exposure caused a significant increase in brain TBARS (23%) vs. control, whereas co-administration of antioxidants+lead was effective in reducing TBARS levels. The catalase activity in brain samples of the lead group was enhanced 99% vs. control, but no changes were found in the remainder of the groups. No statistically significant effect of lead and/or antioxidants in brain SOD activity was noted. Acid phosphatase activity was enhanced in both lead groups but no changes were found in alkaline phosphatase activity. Finally, a statistically significant decrease (-35%) of acetylcholinesterase activity was noted in the lead+antioxidants group. This study provides evidence of the beneficial role of antioxidants in early status of brain development in rats against lead exposure.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Brain / enzymology
  • Catalase / metabolism
  • Female
  • Lead Poisoning, Nervous System / drug therapy*
  • Lead Poisoning, Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Lipid Peroxides / metabolism
  • Organ Size / drug effects
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances / metabolism
  • Vitamin A / pharmacology
  • Vitamin B 6 / pharmacology
  • Vitamin E / pharmacology
  • Zinc / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Lipid Peroxides
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin B 6
  • Catalase
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Acetylcholinesterase
  • Zinc
  • Ascorbic Acid