N-acetylcysteine prevents memory deficits, the decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress in rats exposed to cadmium

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of the administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), on memory, on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and on lipid peroxidation in different brain structures in cadmium (Cd)-exposed rats. The rats received Cd (2 mg/kg) and NAC (150 mg/kg) by gavage every other day for 30 days. The animals were divided into four groups (n=12-13): control/saline, NAC, Cd, and Cd/NAC. The results showed a decrease in step-down latency in the Cd-group, but NAC reversed the impairment of memory induced by Cd intoxication. Rats exposed to Cd and/or treated with NAC did not demonstrate altered shock sensitivity. Decreased AChE activity was found in hippocampus, cerebellum and hypothalamus in the Cd-group but NAC reversed this effect totally or partially while in cortex synaptosomes and striatum there was no alteration in AChE activity. An increase in TBARS levels was found in hippocampus, cerebellum and hypothalamus in the Cd-group and NAC abolished this effect while in striatum there was no alteration in TBARS levels. Urea and creatinine levels were increased in serum of Cd-intoxicated rats, but NAC was able to abolish these undesirable effects. The present findings show that treatment with NAC prevented the Cd-mediated decrease in AChE activity, as well as oxidative stress and consequent memory impairment in Cd-exposed rats, demonstrating that this compound may modulate cholinergic neurotransmission and consequently improve cognition. However, it is necessary to note that the mild renal failure may be a contributor to the behavioral impairment found in this investigation.

<i>N</i>-Acetylcysteine Reverses Mitochondrial Dysfunctions and Behavioral Abnormalities in 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Huntington’s Disease

“…NAC supplementation has been reported to prevent impairment of spatial working memory functions in rats following exposure to hypobaric hypoxia by ameliorating oxidative stress along with improvement in antioxidant status [93] . NAC has also been reported to prevent memory deficits and oxidative stress in rats exposed to cadmium [94] .…”

Cadmium Exacerbates Acetic Acid Induced Experimental Colitis in Rats

“…Blood (1 ml) was digested with HNO 3 (2 ml in each) as previously described by [28,29]. Cadmium concentrations were assessed from the filtrates using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and its concentration was measured in parts per million (ppm).…”

Cadmium in human and animal organism. ІІ. Effect on functional activity of organs and systems

“…У дослідженнях на гризунах установлено здатність Кадмію порушувати ціліс-ність бар'єру кровмозок через розвиток оксидативного стресу [78,92]. Перораль-не введення Cd 2+ (2 мг/кг щодоби впродовж 30 діб) спричиняє нагромадження про-дуктів пероксидного окиснення ліпідів у гіпокампі, мозочку й гіпоталамусі щурів, що супроводжується погіршенням когнітивної функції [35]. Через 30 діб введення CdCl 2 з питною водою (40 мг/л) у гризунів виявляють оксидативнi зміни структурних компонентів кори головного мозку та гіпокампу з пригніченням активності фермен-тів антиоксидантної системи [6].…”