Neuroprotective role of agmatine in prenatal acute ethanol exposure induce alterations in rats

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of agmatine, a neuromodulator with neuroprotective and anxiolytic properties, on behavioral changes associated with prenatal ethanol exposure in rats. The research focuses on the vulnerability of adolescents to alcohol-related problems and explores the potential link between prenatal alcohol exposure, anxiety, and adolescent alcohol use. The study also delves into the neurotoxic effects of ethanol on social behavior, cognitive function, and emotional regulation. The pregnant (GD12) Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to ethanol 2.5 g/kg, 20% v/v followed by a second i.p. injection of 1.25 g/kg ethanol and administered agmatine, along with its modulators, during adolescence. The results reveal that prenatal ethanol exposure induces behavioral changes such as increased locomotor activity, anxiety, social interaction deficits, and depression-like behavior. Agmatine administration, particularly at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg, mitigates these effects, indicating its potential therapeutic role. Moreover, agmatine treatment improves recognition memory impaired by ethanol exposure and reduces oxidative stress, emphasizing its neuroprotective properties. In conclusion, the study suggests that agmatine holds promise in addressing the behavioural and neurochemical alterations induced by prenatal ethanol exposure during adolescence. The findings contribute to understanding the potential therapeutic capabilities of agmatine in mitigating the adverse consequences of early alcohol exposure on brain function and behaviour