RESUMEN

To investigate the effects of vitamin C and E on electrolyte profile and the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in Aluminium (Al) chloride exposed rats, thirty-six male rats were used for this study. The animals were randomly grouped into six (n=6); group I (Control) was given normal saline. Group II (Al only) was exposed to 20mg/kg body weight (BW) of Al. Groups III (Vitamin C only) and IV (Vitamin E only) were administered 200mg/kg BW of vitamin C and vitamin E respectively. Groups V (Al + Vit C) and VI (Al + Vit E) were exposed to 20mg/kg Al and were treated with 200mg/kg vitamin C and vitamin E respectively. Al exposure resulted in a significant (P<0.05) increase in plasma calcium and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations compared with control. The erythrocyte sodium concentration of group treated with Al alone was significantly (P<0.05) higher by 2.01folds than the control group. While the two vitamins were unable to correct the disruption in calcium homeostasis, they ameliorated the intracellular levels of sodium and magnesium ions. A reduction in the activity of AChE (1378.90±130.02U/L)was observed in erythrocyte of the group exposed to Al when compared to the control (1968.80±283.72U/L). Treatment with vitamins C and E further inhibited erythrocyte AChE activity by 34% and 39% respectively compared to a 30% inhibition by Al only. Positive associations were observed between erythrocyte magnesium and blood sodium, and plasma calcium and erythrocyte sodium levels. Negative associations were however observed between plasma AChE activity and erythrocyte sodium and magnesium levels. In conclusion, vitamins C and E ameliorated ionoregulatory disruptions caused by sub-acute aluminium on only erythrocyte sodium and magnesium levels but not on plasma calcium level and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Dose-effect and dose-response relationships in occupational neurotoxicology are rarely studied by means of biochemical methods. In order to investigate the potential neurotoxic effects of lead during occupational exposure to this metal, the activity of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AcChE), as well as blood pressure and pulse, were determined in various artisans in Abeokuta, Nigeria, who have been shown to be occupationally exposed to lead, and these were related to blood lead levels. AcChE activity in the artisans was inhibited to varying extents. While AcChE activity was inhibited to the tune of 39% in the male petrol station attendants, the inhibition amounted to 32% in female petrol station attendants. In other artisans, AcChE inhibition ranged from 31% in the welders to 38% in painters. The lowest inhibition of 15% was obtained in the panel beaters. Correlations, as calculated by Pearson's method, revealed a significant (p<0.001) inverse linear relationship between AcChE activity and blood lead levels (r=-0.40; y=-120.38x+13935.59; p<0.001). Blood pressure and pulse were not significantly different between control and lead-exposed subjects. Our findings suggest that erythrocyte AcChE activity could be used as a biomarker of lead-induced neurotoxicity in occupationally exposed subjects.