Abstract
Arsenic is an environmental toxicant because of its toxic properties and extensive presence in the environment. It is reported to cause adverse effects on the nervous system. Previous reports had confirmed the correlation of oxidative stress with arsenic. On the other hand zinc is an essential trace element and is known to possess antioxidant properties. The present study evaluated the role of zinc in toxic conditions induced by arsenic in female wistar rats. To carry out the investigations, rats were segregated into four treatment groups: Animals in group I (normal control) were fed standard laboratory feed and water ad libitum throughout the study. Group II animals received arsenic in the form of sodium arsenite orally with the help of a blunt tip canulla at a dose level of 100ppm. Rats in group III were given zinc in the form of zinc sulphate at a dose level of 227mg/L orally. Animals in group IV received a combined treatment of zinc and arsenic in a similar way as given to animals belonging to group II and III, respectively. All the treatments were given for a total duration of 8 weeks. Behavioral studies were conducted by studying total locomoter activity, anxiety as well as muscle relaxant activity. Rats treated with arsenic showed a significant decrease in the levels of acetyl choline esterase as well as in the locomoter and muscle activity when compared to normal controls. Interestingly when Zinc was supplemented to arsenic treated group, the already decreased activity of ACI in arsenic treated rats was observed to be increased significantly. [J Physiol Sci. 2008;58 Suppl:S96]
