In the present study the pro-oxidant activity of aluminum (Al) and the protective role of Bacopa monniera extract (BME) were determined in the medulla oblongata of albino rats. Albino rats were divided into four groups. First group of rats was used as control, second group of rats received oral dose of Aluminum maltolate only, third group of animals received Bacopa monniera extract (BME) and fourth group of animals received concurrently Aluminum maltolate (Al-M) plus Bacopa monniera (BME) extract respectively, for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the medulla oblongata was removed and processed to examine the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA-RS) and antioxidant enzymes such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx). Oxidative stress was promoted in medulla oblongata following Aluminum administration. In contrast, BME extract exerted an antioxidant action which was related with an increase in the levels of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, evidences from light microscopic images clearly demonstrating that Al-M-induced neuronal changes, which were minimized by BME treatment, architecture of medulla oblongata in Al-M+BME treated group was almost similar to the control.
Date:
2013-08-15
Relation:
Journal of Medical Sciences. 2013 Aug 15;13(6):465-470.
