European Journal of Inflammation (May 2005)

The Role of Alteration of Glutamic Acid and Gaba in Learning and Memory Impairment of Rats Induced by Aluminum

  • Q. Niu,
  • P. Niu,
  • Q. Zhang,
  • L. Wang,
  • S. He,
  • M. Di Gioacchino,
  • P. Boscolo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/1721727X0500300207
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

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Aluminum exposure has been reported to be related to learning and memory impairment. This study examines the role of aluminum in alterating amino acids of the cerebral cortex of rats. The Step-down type tests were performed to investigate the alteration of learning and memory of rats induced by aluminum. The amino acids in the cerebral cortex were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HLPC). Results show that the amounts of aluminum in the cerebral cortex increased by 5.0mgAl3+/(Kg·BW) group and 10.0mg Al3+/(Kg·BW) group. In the Step-down type test, the EN1 increased significantly in the Al3+ 10.0mg/(Kg·BW) group. The latency shortened obviously and the EN2 increased significantly in the 10.0mg Al3+/(Kg·BW) group. The content of Glu (Glutamic acid) increased but the content of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) decreased significantly in the 10.0mg Al3+/(Kg·BW) group. This present study shows evidence that the disorder of amino acid neurotransmitters system plays an important role in the impairment of learning and memory of rats induced by aluminum.