the effect of vitamin e and c in the prevention of neurotoxicity of lead on spatial memory in male wistar rats

Background & aim: Oxidative stress is one of the possible molecular mechanisms of light-mediated neurotoxicity of lead and on the other hand vitamin C and E have high antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of these two vitamins on the effects of lead toxicity on learning ability. Methods: The present experimental study was conducted on thirty-two male Wistar rats divided in groups of 8, including a control group received no lead and vitamins, the group received water containing lead (0.2%), the group received water containing lead plus vitamin C and final group received water containing lead and vitamin E. Materials were used in mice by gavage daily for 3 months. Morris water maze device was used to assess spatial memory. Measures of spatial learning and memory were assessed using ANOVA. Result: Time for finding the platform (s) during the training phase in the lead group plus vitamin E and vitamin C was lesser than the lead group alone. Also in the retrieval and working memory tests, both groups lead plus vitamin E and lead plus vitamin C, a significant difference in the percentage of the elapsed time in the target quadrant and the average time to find the platform (s) in the fourth day of having lead was observed (p <0.05). Conclusion: Exposure to lead reduced spatial learning and memory, but simultaneous use of lead with vitamin C and vitamin E could reduce the damaging effects of lead on spatial memory.