Lead induced mitochondrial oxidative stress in brain regions of maternal and female offspring rats: Protective effects of α-tocopherol acetate

Abstract

The objective of this research is to assess the effects of lead (Pb) on behavioural and antioxidant enzymes and the protective effects of α-tocopherol acetate in various brain regions of maternal and female offspring rats. Rats were separated into three groups: control, 0.2% Pb-exposure, and 0.2% Pb+α-tocopherol acetate (100 mg/kg body weight) supplemented. Following Pb-exposure, the animals were allowed to recover for a month to observe the recovery levels in the behavioural mechanisms and antioxidant enzyme activity levels. During this recuperation time, the animals were evaluated twice, on the 7^th and 30^th day, for behavioural and biochemical changes in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus. A decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity, and an increase in l ipid peroxidation (LPO) content levels were seen in three brain regions when Pb exposure was compared to control rats. The Pb-induced alterations of these antioxidants were more pronounced in female offspring than maternal rats. This study establishes the role of α-tocopherol in the brain development of rats against lead exposed.