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Published on: May 4, 2020
Manganese exposure and induced oxidative stress in the rat brain
Keith M Erikson1, Allison W Dobson, David C Dorman
1Department of Nutrition, The University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, USA. kmerikso@uncg.edu
Abstract:
Neurotoxicity linked to excessive brain manganese levels can occur as a result of high level Mn exposures and/or metabolic aberrations (liver disease and decreased biliary excretion). Increased brain manganese levels have been reported to induce oxidative stress, as well as alterations in neurotransmitter metabolism with concurrent neurobehavioral and motor deficits. Two putative mechanisms in which manganese can produce oxidative stress in the brain are: (1) via its oxidation of dopamine, and (2) interference with normal mitochondrial respiration. Measurements of antioxidant species (e.g., glutathione and metallothionein), and the abundance of proteins (enzymes) exquisitely sensitive to oxidation (e.g., glutamine synthetase) have been commonly used as biomarkers of oxidative stress, particularly in rat brain tissue. This paper examines the link between manganese neurotoxicity in the rat brain and common pathways to oxidative stress.
Insights
Excessive manganese in the brain causes neurotoxicity through oxidative stress, impacting neurotransmitters and motor function. This study explores manganese neurotoxicity pathways in rat brains.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- High manganese (Mn) exposure or liver disease can increase brain manganese levels.
- Elevated brain manganese is linked to oxidative stress, neurotransmitter alterations, and neurobehavioral deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between manganese neurotoxicity in rat brains and common oxidative stress pathways.
- To investigate how manganese induces oxidative stress in the brain.
Main Methods:
- Measuring antioxidant species like glutathione and metallothionein.
- Assessing the abundance of oxidation-sensitive proteins such as glutamine synthetase.
- Analyzing biomarkers in rat brain tissue.
Main Results:
- Increased brain manganese levels correlate with indicators of oxidative stress.
- Specific pathways, including dopamine oxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction, are implicated in manganese-induced oxidative stress.
- Neurotransmitter metabolism alterations and neurobehavioral deficits are observed.
Conclusions:
- Manganese neurotoxicity in rats is significantly associated with oxidative stress mechanisms.
- Understanding these pathways is crucial for addressing manganese-related neurological disorders.
- Biomarkers of oxidative stress are valuable in studying manganese neurotoxicity.
