ENALAPRIL EFFECT ON GLUTATHIONE CHAIN OF THE ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM OF THE BRAIN IN RATS WITH SCOPOLAMINE-INDUCED...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing concern, often linked to oxidative stress.
• The renin-angiotensin system plays a role in neurological functions and disease.
• Glutathione is a key endogenous antioxidant crucial for cellular protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neuroprotective effects of enalapril on the antioxidant system.
• To assess enalapril's impact on the glutathione chain in a rat model of neurodegeneration.
• To explore enalapril's potential in mitigating scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity.

Main Methods:

• Experimental neurodegeneration induced by scopolamine hydrochloride in male rats.
• Administration of enalapril (a renin-angiotensin system blocker) to rats.
• Quantification of reduced glutathione, sulfhydryl groups, and glutathione reductase activity in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.

Main Results:

• Enalapril significantly increased reduced glutathione content in the cerebral cortex (1.8-fold) and hippocampus (1.2-fold).
• Sulfhydryl group levels rose by 1.3-fold in the cerebral cortex and 1.1-fold in the hippocampus following enalapril treatment.
• Glutathione reductase activity was enhanced by enalapril, increasing 1.7-fold in the cerebral cortex and 1.6-fold in the hippocampus.

Conclusions:

• Enalapril administration improves key indicators of the glutathione antioxidant system in rat brain regions.
• The drug demonstrates neuroprotective capabilities against scopolamine-induced neurodegeneration.
• Enalapril's modulation of the antioxidant system suggests a therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative conditions.