Protective effect of resveratrol in mercuric chloride induced neurotoxicity in rats

Abstract

Mercuric Chloride (HgCl2) is one of the most toxic heavy metal which induces oxidative stress in the body. And also it acts as a neurotoxin. Mercury contamination in drinking water and inhalation appears to be serious and causes metabolic, functional and structural damages in the brain. This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of Resveratrol in mercuric chloride-induced neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicity was induced by drinking water containing 1.29mg/kg of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) for 21 days. Neurotoxicity induced by mercuric chloride was assessed by behavioral, biochemical and Histopathological studies. There is decrease in muscle strength by rota rod, locomotor activity by actophotometer, number of entries into closed and open arms by elevated plus maze test, time spent in central squares by open field test in mercuric chloride treated group compared to normal control. There is increase in antioxidant parameters like malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease in catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GP_x), AChE activity and reduced glutathione in mercuric chloride treated group when compared to control group. Administration of Resveratrol significantly (P<0.05) attenuated the behavioral, biochemical and Histopathological changes. Resveratrol is generally available in all the daily consumed grape fruits and vegetables. Finally we conclude that mercuric chloride intoxication in water can be detoxified by Resveratrol which is naturally present in daily consumed food.