Two experiments were conducted to compare the effects of feeding blends of wheat grains naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON) and maize products contaminated with Fusarium (FUM) mycotoxins on brain regional concentration of brain dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) in hippocampus, mid brain, cortex, striatum, pons and medulla and cerebellum of male albino mice. Daily feeding of wheat or maize grains contaminated with deoxynivalenol in a dose level (803 µg/kg) or fumonisin in a dose level (1330 ppb) for six weeks caused highly significant increase in dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) contents, in most of the studied mice brain areas. When all the studied brain areas were compared, it can be concluded that hypothalamusdopamine concentration was more sensitive towards the studied toxicants. On the other hand, except for norepinephrine in pons and medulla oblongata, there was a significant increase in epinipherine and serotonin levels at all the studied brain areas. Maximal concentration, however, was attained in the cortex for both neurotransmitters. Additionally, rearing behavior was found to increase following feed intake of the test feed and deoxynivalenol was found to modulate more behavioral disturbances as compared with fuminisin. The data recorded also showed a highly significant increase in the aggressive and locomotor behavior of the intoxicated albino mice.

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is widespread pollutant that affected human health.Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of Garlic (Allium sativum) against hepatorenal toxicity of cadmium in rats.Methods: 32 adult male rats were used and divided equally into four groups each with 8 rat: Group I: Control group, the rats of this group were given normal diet and water for four weeks, Group II: Garlic group, the rats of this group received garlic extract 350 mg/ kg bw by stomach tube every second day for four weeks, Group III: Cadmium group, the rat of this group received 60 mg/kg bw Cadmium by stomach tube every second day for four weeks, and Group IV: Garlic + Cadmium group, the rat of this group received garlic extract 350 mg/kg bw then 60 mg/kg bw Cadmium by stomach tube every second day for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, samples of blood were taken for biochemical analysis. Then rats were sacrificed and dissected, and samples of liver and kidney were collected for histological studies. Body weight was measured at the beginning and the end of the experiment. Blood samples were collected at experiment end. Sera prepared to measure activities of liver and kidney functions. Results:It was observed that weight gain was significantly decreased in Cd group and Garlic + Cd group versus control and Garlic groups. Percentage changes in body weight were significantly decreased in Cd group and Garlic + Cd group versus control and Garlic groups. Cadmium administration caused significant increases in the activities of ALT, AST and ALP enzymes, and in the values of CRE, URE, UA, TG, CHOL, LDL-c and VLDL-c, but HDL-c was significantly decreased. These changes were ameliorated with administration of garlic.Conclusions: Cadmium administration produces toxic effects that partially improved after garlic administration due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

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