Evaluation of the protective role of melatonin on the behavioral effects of aluminum in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Toxicology. 2009 Nov 9;265(1-2):49-55. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2009.09.009. Epub 2009 Sep 19.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Compounds / pharmacokinetics
  • Aluminum Compounds / toxicity*
  • Alzheimer Disease / chemically induced*
  • Alzheimer Disease / prevention & control*
  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Diet
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Lactates / pharmacokinetics
  • Lactates / toxicity*
  • Male
  • Maze Learning / drug effects
  • Melatonin / pharmacology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Neuroprotective Agents*
  • Weight Gain / drug effects

Substances

  • Aluminum Compounds
  • Lactates
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Melatonin
  • aluminum lactate