Influence of eicosapentaenoic acid and vitamin E on brain cortex Ca2+ ATPase activity in cholesterol-fed rabbits

The influence of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and vitamin E on brain cortex Ca2+ ATPase activity was examined in rabbits receiving cholesterol-rich diets for a period of 45 days. Rabbits were divided as control (A) and cholesterol-fed groups (B, C, and D). Group C received 80 mg of EPA and group D received 100 IU of vitamin E every day in addition to the cholesterol-rich (2%, w/w) diet which was solely given to Group B. Rabbits receiving cholesterol alone had a significant reduction in brain microsomal phospholipid level. Microsomal free cholesterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were significantly increased in all experimental groups. Cortex microsomal Ca2+ ATPase activity was found to be inhibited in all cholesterol-fed rabbits as compared to controls, but the highest inhibition was seen in rabbits fed cholesterol alone. Additions of EPA or Vitamin E to the cholesterol-rich diets resulted in a recovery of the enzymatic activity. It is concluded that cholesterol feeding without any addition of PUFA or antioxidant agent might cause an inhibition of brain Ca2+ ATPase activity in rabbits, thereby leading to the dysfunction in ion transport and neurotransmitter release.