Neurological investigation of Cadmium induced oxidative stress and memory and learning impairment in neurodegenerative rat model

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are a broad category of neurological disorders with a variety of clinical and pathological manifestations that affect specific subsets of neurons in specific functional anatomic systems. Oxidative stress complicates the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Oxidative stress is caused by redox imbalances, which include either excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or antioxidant system dysfunction. Due to its high oxygen demand and abundance of peroxidation-susceptible lipid cells, the central nervous system is vulnerable to the effects of ROS. Cadmium is a neurotoxin with a high toxicity level and toxicity of Cadmium can be exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies. We have analyzed the behavioral changes in rats after receiving Cadmium on a regular basis. The home cage activity test, open field test, elevated plus maze test, and force swim test were used to assess the behavioral consequences and impairments in learning and memory of male rats who were given Cadmium (1.0 mg/ml/kg, orally) or saline daily. In the elevated plus maze, Cadmium-treated rats exhibited depressive behavior, such as increased time spent immobile in the open field and increased anxiety-like behavior. With increased Cadmium administration, however, time spent in the lit box decreased. Results indicate that prolonged exposure of rats to Cadmium induced stress, which subsequently led to depressive behavior.