Cytogenetic and neurobehavioral studies of rat pups with lead intoxicated dams treated alone or in combination with calcium gluconate and alpha lipoic acid

Abstract

Background: This study intended to evaluate the impacts of lead acetate poisoning on neurobehavioral reflexes and cytogenetic effect in pups of rat exposed to lead by dam’s milk and during pregnancy. 
Materials and method: Seventy-five adult albino rat consist of 25 male and 50 female divided equally into five groups dosed daily orally with lead acetate at a dose 20mg/kg B.W represented cpntrol positive (C+ve). Other treatment drugs at same dosing regimen with calcium gluconate 500mg/kg B.W represent (T1-Ca), ALA, 60mg /kg B.W (T2-ALA) and their combination at half dose (T3-Comb) and distilled water for control negative group (C-ve). Neurobehavioral test were done at same period to evaluate rat pups brain integrity, in addition to cytogenetic tests, micronucleus done after euthanize rat pups after end of lactation period. 
Results: The results of all neurobehavioral tests including open field, rota rode, swimming ranks, negative geotaxis and head pocking showed significant decrease in all examined parameters in C+ve group followed by T2,T1, groups while T3 combined group showed improvement in results nearly same C-ve group. While Y-maze results showed significant decrease in entrance and significant increase in alternation (reentrance to same arm) in C+ve group followed by T2, T1 then T3 groups in comparison to Cve- group. The effect of treatment on cytogenetic state revealed significant increase with chromosomal aberration and micronucleus in C+ve group although; significant decrease in mitotic index when compared to other treated groups.
Conclusion: The increased in oxidative status may be the main cause to great damage on pups brain and cytogenetic that been caused by lead toxicity.