Potential of lithium to reduce aluminium-induced cytotoxic effects in rat brain

Abstract

The present study was aimed to explore the potential of an antidepressant drug lithium (Li) in reducing aluminium (Al) induced neurotoxicity. To carry out the investigations, Al was administered orally (100 mg AlCl(3)/Kg b wt/day) whereas, Li was administered through diet (1.1 g Li(2)CO(3)/Kg diet, daily) for a total duration of 2 months. Al treatment resulted in a significant increase in the activity of enzyme nitric oxide synthase and the levels of L-citrulline which, however, were decreased appreciably following lithium supplementation. Al treatment also revealed an increase in DNA fragmentation as evidenced by an increase in number of comets. Interestingly, Li supplementation to Al treated rats reduced the damage inflicted on DNA by Al. Ultrastructural studies revealed an increase in chromatin condensation with discontinuity in nuclear membrane in both the cerebrum and cerebellum of Al treated rats which showed improvement following Li supplementation. Alterations in the structure of synapse and mitochondrial swelling were also seen. The present study shows the potential of Li in containing the damage inflicted by Al on rat brain.

Therapeutic effect of melatonin against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity in cerebellum of albino mice

“…Al-induced ultrastructural alterations displayed coarse and clumpy chromatin, vacuolation, and discontinuity in neuronal integrity. These observations are similar to data reported by Deloncle et al (2001) and Bhalla, Singla, and Dhawan (2010).…”

Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of taurine against aluminum-induced acute hepatotoxicity in mice

“…We have observed abundant heterochromatin, disorganization of nuclear content as margination and clumping of chromatin in Al-treated group. Similarly, an increase in chromatin condensation with discontinuity in nuclear membrane in both the cerebrum and cerebellum of rats orally treated with AlCl 3 was revealed [41]. At a molecular level, any effects of Al would be most likely to involve DNA damage.…”

Magnesium Alloys as Promising Degradable Implant Materials in Orthopaedic Research

“…In these therapeutic cases, negative effects like gastrointestinal pain or discomfort, renal involvement with reduced urinary concentration capacity, expressed as polyuria, as well as negative effects on memory, vigilance and reaction time are observed (Grandjean & Aubry, 2009b). Another study with rats could even find a potential of lithium to reduce aluminium-induced cytotoxic effects in the brain (Bhalla et al, 2010). The dissolving elements from LAE442 can reach only a fraction of therapeutically used dosages.…”