Effects of combined exposure to aluminium and ethanol on food intake, motor behaviour and a few biochemical parameters in pubertal rats.
Combined daily administration of aluminium chloride (260 mg/kg, oral) and ethanol (2 g/kg, oral), to pubertal male rats for 30 days was found to significantly decrease food intake, body weight gain and serum protein levels. Spontaneous motor activity and rota-rod motor coordination were also significantly impaired. Acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly diminished in the cerebrum and cerebellum. The results obtained in the present study are suggestive of a potentiation of cholinotoxic effects of the two compounds when administered together. Thus, when combined, ethanol may increase pubertal rat's susceptibility to the toxic effects of aluminium.
Rajasekaran
K
Department of Pharmacology and Environmental Toxicology, Dr ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani, 600 113, Chennai, India