Neuroprotective effects of Vitamin C and Garlic extract on Glycocanjugate changes of Cerebellar Cortex in Lead-Exposed Rat offspring

The deteriorating effects of Lead (Pb) on central nervous system (CNS) such as cerebellum has been demonstrated in previous studies. Glycoconjugates with the important role in CNS development may be affected by Pb-exposure. Utilization of antioxidant agents and herbal plants has attracted a great deal of attention on attenuating neurotoxicants-induced damage. Thus, in this study the neuroprotective effects of vitamin C and garlic on content of glycoconjugates of cerebellar cortex in Pb-exposed animals were investigated. Wistar pregnant rats were divided into: control (C), Pb-exposed (Pb) (۱۵۰۰ ppm lead acetate in drinking water), Pb plus vitamin C (Pb + Vit C) (۵۰۰ mg/kg) intraperitoneally, Pb plus garlic (Pb + G) (۱ml /۱۰۰g BW fresh garlic juice via gavage), Pb plus vitamin C and garlic (Pb +Vit C + G), and sham groups (Sh). Finally, levels of Pb in blood were measured in both rats and offspring on postnatal day ۵۰ (PND۵۰). Also, the cerebellums were removed for measuring Pb-levels and performing lectin histochemistry. Blood and cerebellar Pb-levels were increased in Pb-expose group compared to controls (P<۰.۰۰۱), whereas they were decreased significantly in Pb + Vit C, Pb + G, and Pb + Vit C+ G groups (P<۰.۰۱). By using MPA, UEA-۱ and WGA lectin histochemistry, Pb-exposed group showed weak staining intensity compared to other groups. As well as significant decrease was observed in the density of lectin (+)-neurons of Pb-exposed group compared to the controls (P<۰.۰۰۱). Moreover, strong staining intensity and high lectin (+)-neurons were found in Pb + Vit C, Pb + G and Pb + Vit C+ G groups than Pb-exposed group (P<۰.۰۰۱). The present study revealed that Pb-exposure can result in alteration in the cerebellar glycoconjugates contents and co-administration of vitamin C and garlic could attenuate the adverse effects of Pb. The findings of this study revealed the ameliorating effects vitamin C and garlic against Pb, suggesting the potential use of vitamin C and garlic as preventive agents in Pb poisoning.