Quercetin protects the impairment of memory and anxiogenic-like behavior in rats exposed to cadmium: Possible involvement of the acetylcholinesterase and Na~+,K~+-ATPase activities

摘要

The present study investigated the effects of quercetin in the impairment of memory and anxiogenic-like behavior induced by cadmium (Cd) exposure. We also investigated possible alterations in acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Na~+,K~+-ATPase and 6-aminolevulinate dehydratase (8-ALA-D) activities as well as in oxidative stress parameters in the CNS. Rats were exposed to Cd (2.5 mg/kg) and quercetin (5, 25 or 50 mg/kg) by gavage for 45 days. Animals were divided into eight groups (n = 10-14): saline/control, saline/Querc 5 mg/kg, saline/Querc 25 mg/kg, saline/Querc 50 mg/kg, Cd/ethanol, Cd/Querc 5 mg/kg, Cd/Querc 25 mg/kg and Cd/Querc 50 mg/kg. Results demonstrated that Cd impaired memory has an anxiogenic effect. Quercetin prevented these harmful effects induced by Cd. AChE activity decreased in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus and increased in the hypothalamus of Cd-exposed rats.