Co-administration of N-acetylcysteine and Zinc Sulfate Prevents Bonny Light Crude Oil-induced Neurobehavioral Alterations in Mice via Modulation of Serotonergic / Glutamatergic Signaling

• Naiho Alexander Obidike

  Department of Physiology, University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria

  Author

• Asiwe Jerome Ndudi

  Department of Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

  Author

• Chimezie Joseph

  Department of Physiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

  Author

• Oritsemuelebi Benjamin

  Department of Pharmacology, University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria

  Author

• Dennis Ovuoke

  Department of Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

  Author

• Ebuwa Emmanuel Ikemefune

  Department of Physiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

  Author

• Eghworo Ovocity Ovobovwori

  Department of Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

  Author

• Ikuesan Olaoluwa Oluwafemi

  Department of Physiology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria

  Author

• Oladapo Ayomiposi

  Department of Physiology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria

  Author

• Adesuyan Precious Tobi

  Department of Physiology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria

  Author

• Adeniranye Eyitayo Joy

  Department of Physiology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria

  Author

Background: The possibility of preventing the neurotoxicity brought on by exposure to bonny light crude oil (BLCO) by co-administering N-acetylcysteine and ZnSO4 is still unknown. Therefore, this study looked at how N-acetylcysteine and ZnSO4 exposure together could protect against the neurotoxicity caused by bonny light crude oil.

Methods: Forty male mice were randomly assign to 5 groups (n=10). Group 3 to 5 were pretreated with NAC (20 mg/kg, p.o.), ZnSO4 (20 mg/kg, p.o.) and NAC+ZnSO4, respectively for 14 days followed by BLCO (2ml in 20g feed) from day 15 to day 28. Group 1, served as normal control and received normal saline (1ml/kg) and normal diet throughout the duration of the study while group 2 served as negative control and was fed BLCO (2ml in 20g feed) after 14 days of receiving normal saline. Between days 27 and 29, tests to measure locomotor activity, the anti-depressive and anxiolytic effects of NAC and/or ZnSO4 on BLCO-induced neurobehavioral derangement were assessed, and then animals were euthanized.

Results: Our findings demonstrated that administering ZnSO4 and/or NAC before BLCO exposure significantly increased the time spent in open-arm on the EPM test, increased the time spent in the light chamber on the LDB test, and decreased immobility time on the FST, thereby reducing the behavioral deficit caused by BLCO. By pretreating with NAC and/or ZnSO4, neurochemicals such as glutamate, serotonin, noradrenaline, as well as acetylcholinesterase activity, were regulated.

Conclusion: N-acetylcysteine and Zinc Sulfate co-administration protects mice from Bonny Light crude oil-induced neurobehavioral changes through modifying serotonergic/glutamatergic transmission.

1. Naiho Alexander Obidike, Department of Physiology, University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria

   Department of Physiology, University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria

2. Asiwe Jerome Ndudi, Department of Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

   Department of Physiology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

3. Chimezie Joseph, Department of Physiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

   Department of Physiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

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