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Alpha-tocopherol attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced sickness behavior in mice
Brian M Berg1, Jonathan P Godbout, Keith W Kelley
1Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|February 5, 2004
Summary
Antioxidants like alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) and selenium can reduce lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness behavior in mice. Supplementation improved oxidative status, suggesting a protective role against LPS effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Antioxidants mitigate oxidative damage and inflammatory cytokine production.
- Inflammatory cytokines are known to induce sickness behavior.
- Alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) and selenium are key antioxidants with potential immunomodulatory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) and selenium in preventing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness behavior.
- To determine if antioxidant supplementation can ameliorate LPS-induced social behavioral deficits in mice.
Main Methods:
- Mice received varying doses of alpha-T via injection or diet, followed by LPS challenge.
- Sickness behavior was quantified by measuring social exploratory behavior.
- Plasma and liver oxidative stress markers were assessed post-LPS exposure.
Main Results:
- Injected alpha-T partially or fully blocked sickness behavior at lower LPS doses.
- Dietary alpha-T and selenium showed a trend towards reducing LPS-induced sickness behavior.
- Antioxidant-deficient diets impaired oxidative status post-LPS.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) demonstrates potential in ameliorating LPS-induced sickness behavior.
- Improved oxidative status following alpha-T supplementation may underlie its protective effects.
- Dietary selenium and alpha-T warrant further investigation for their role in modulating inflammatory responses.