Evaluation of the protective role of melatonin on the behavioral effects of aluminum in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
In this study, five months old female transgenic (Tg2576) and wild-type mice were exposed for 6 months to aluminum (1mg Al/g diet), melatonin (10mg/kg/day), Al plus melatonin, or vehicle only (control group). General motor activity was evaluated using an open-field, whereas spatial learning and memory were assessed in a water maze. Aluminum levels in hippocampus, cortex and cerebellum were determined. Aluminum-treated Tg2576 mice showed higher Al levels in hippocampus than non-Al treated animals. No Al effects on general motor activity were found, while the open-field test showed an increased number of rearings in Tg2576 mice. A lower habituation pattern was observed in melatonin-treated animals. Differences in learning were noted in the water maze acquisition test, in which Al-treated Tg2576 mice showed more difficulties in learning the task than Al-exposed wild mice. No significant effects of melatonin in the acquisition task were observed. The present results indicate that Tg2576 mice are sensitive to high dietary Al levels. A significant protector role of melatonin on Al-induced behavioral effects was not observed.
García
Tania
T
Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Rovira i Virgili University, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
Ribes
Diana
D
Colomina
Maria Teresa
MT
Cabré
María
M
Domingo
José L
JL
Gómez
Mercedes
M
D017607:Aluminum Compounds / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D007773:Lactates / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D017607:Aluminum Compounds; D007773:Lactates; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D008550:Melatonin; C104223:aluminum lactate