BEHAVIOR AND GLUTAMATE TRANSAMINASE CHANGES IN RAT EXPOSED TO LEAD AND TREATED BY WORMWOOD EXTRACT

Objective: Lead poisoning induced severe behavioral abnormalities and impaired cognitive functions in experimental animals. The aim of the present study is to investigate the detrimental effects of lead exposure on the behavior of rats and its association with altered neurochemistry.Methods: Twenty-four young male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: G1: a control group receiving drinking water. G2: intoxicated group (Pb) exposed to lead acetate (1000 ppm in drinking water). G3: receives Wormwood aqueous (A. Ab) extract at a dose of 300 mg/l in drinking water. G4: rats are receiving Pb+A. Ab mixture for 4 additional weeks after intoxication for 8 w. In the present study, locomotors activity in rats was assessed by open field test (OFT) while anxiety and depressive behavior were monitored by elevated plus maze (EPM) and the forced swim test (FST), the evaluation of glutamate metabolizing enzymes in whole brain and lipid peroxidation was carried out in all groups.Results: our results showed that lead acetate intoxication increased the level of lipid peroxidation in brain, decreased brain glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase activities and increased glutamate pyruvate transaminase. Also, lead (pb) exposure resulted in increased anxiety and fear-related behavior in both elevated plus maze and light dark box tests, showed hyperactivity in open field test presented by increased horizontal locomotion. However, A. Ab extract reduced the TBARS level by preventing oxidative stress induced by lead and increased glutamate pyruvate transaminase activity.Conclusion: The wormwood extract administration reduced anxiety, fear and locomotion and improved learning ability and memories. Therefore, these results indicated that wormwood is ameliorating the deleterious effects of lead and it appeared to be a protective agent against lead-induced toxicity.Â