Sulphoraphane Supplementation Ameliorates Behavioural Impairments and Hippocampal Neurodegeneration Induced by Lead Exposure in Adult Wistar Rats
Lead (Pb) exposure induces oxidative stress causing imbalance in antioxidant enzymes, cognitive impairments and neurodegeneration. This study investigated the neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of sulphoraphane (SFN) on Pb-induced neurotoxicity of adult Wistar rats. Forty animals (150 ± 20 g) were divided into four groups (n=10): Group A received normal saline as placebo; Group B received 50 mg/kg body weight (bw) of Lead only; Group C received a combination of 50 mg/kg bw of Lead and 50 mg/kg bw of SFN; Group D received 50 mg/kg bw of SFN only. All administration was through oral gavages for 28 days; animals underwent behavioural tests (Morris water and Y- mazes); and thereafter sacrificed and brains extracted. Biochemical estimations of antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and catalase), oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide), neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine) and hippocampal histology were done. The results showed significant increase in escape latency, norepinephrine and oxidative stress markers with concomitant decrease percentage correct alternation, serotonin, dopamine and antioxidant enzymes in Pb exposed rats compared with the control. However, the co-administration of SFN and Pb significantly attenuated Pb neurotoxicity. Sulphoraphane is capable of ameliorating oxidative stress induced neurobehavioural deficits and hippocampal neurochemistry caused by Pb exposure in Alzheimer’s type animal model of neurodegenerative disorder.