Effect of aluminum consumption on the vestibulo-ocular reflex

The effects of chronic exposure (90 days) to Aluminum chloride (AlCl(3)) were analyzed in 3, 10 and 24 month old male rats (n=270) by investigating the function of the VOR (vestibulo-ocular reflex) in correlation with Aluminum (Al) concentrations in blood and brain. The VOR was chosen and tested in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Metabolic brain disease 2006-09, Vol.21 (2-3), p.89-104
Main Authors: Mameli, O, Caria, M A, Melis, P, Zambenedetti, P, Ramila, M, Zatta, P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aluminum - blood
Aluminum - metabolism
Aluminum - pharmacology
Animals
Brain - metabolism
Electrophysiology
Eye Movements - physiology
Immunohistochemistry
Microelectrodes
Nystagmus, Optokinetic - physiology
Rats
Rats, Wistar
Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular - drug effects
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Summary:The effects of chronic exposure (90 days) to Aluminum chloride (AlCl(3)) were analyzed in 3, 10 and 24 month old male rats (n=270) by investigating the function of the VOR (vestibulo-ocular reflex) in correlation with Aluminum (Al) concentrations in blood and brain. The VOR was chosen and tested in basal conditions (pre-exposure measures) and during the continuous administration of three different concentrations of AlCl(3) (0.5, 1, 2 g/l in drinking solution): the control animals being exposed to NaCl (0.125, 0.25 and 5 g/l in drinking solution). Results showed that LOAEL (Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level) was 43.1+/-11.4 mg Al/kg-day. At this concentration the Al induced significant VOR impairment in all exposed rats, regardless of animal age. Neuroanatomical analysis showed that VOR impairment was not dependent on astrocyte damage nor evidences of amyloid deposits in the exposed rats was found. Significant changes of Al concentrations were observed in nervous tissue, while its concentration in whole blood was unaffected. Furthermore, results show that it is possible to identify an individual neurotoxic threshold for each animal and therefore hypothesize the clinical use of the VOR test for the evaluation of individual risk toxicity to chronic Al exposure.
ISSN:0885-7490
1573-7365
DOI:10.1007/s11011-006-9010-9