Alterations of Trace Elements and Malondialdehyde Levels in Blood, Brain and Hippocampus Following Functional Pinealectomy in Rats

Metal plays an important role in neural toxicity. The changes of some essential metal levels are important in increasing oxidative stress and enhancing neurodegenerative disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of light and dark treatment on the level of some essential elements such as Al, Fe, Zn and Cu and lipid peroxidation and the relationship between aging and changes in the level of these elements. Animals were divided into three groups: 24 h dark throughout the study highest melatonin release , 24 h light exposure light-induced functional pinealectomy and 12 h light/12 h dark exposure control group . Thereafter, each group was divided into two groups as young and old animals. All groups had access to food and water ad libitum for four weeks. After this period, lipid peroxidation end product, malondialdehyde MDA , and Al, Fe, Zn and Cu concentrations were measured in blood and brain tissue as well as hippocampus tissue. According to our findings MDA increased especially in dark groups of hippocampus tissue. It can be an indicator of increased free radical formation related to Al influenced light-dark treatment.

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