Characterization of the cognitive and motor changes revealed by the elevated plus maze in an experimental rat model of radiation-induced brain injury

Abstract

Background: Experimental models are needed to better understand the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases to develop novel therapeutics. The neuropathology and clinical signs of acute radiation syndrome resemble those of neurodegenerative conditions. We characterized elevated plus maze (EPM) indicators of cognitive and motor impairment in rats exposed to brain-damaging doses of gamma radiation to develop a model for neurological component of the acute radiation syndrome. Materials and Methods: Technetium 99 m was administered once through tail vein to male Wistar rats to reach an absorbed dose of Gamma radiation of 667 mGy (66.7Rad). Animal performance in the EPM was assessed every 14 days. Rats were observed for 9 weeks for the occurrence of systemic and neurological signs. Comparisons were done between irradiated and nonirradiated rats, and in each group with baseline performance. Results: EPM indicators of cognitive and motor impairment, anxiety, and depression were observed concomitantly and increased with the severity of acute radiation syndrome-like systemic and neurological signs. Alterations in EPM indicators appeared 3 weeks postirradiation and their severity increased with time. Notably, arm transitions and the distance covered in the maze were decreased (−56.71% and −73.62%, P < 0.001), as well as open arm entries and time spent in open arms (−77.78% and −76.19%, P < 0.05) and the indicator of thigmotaxis rearing (−92.45, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that irradiated rat performance in the EPM paradigm reflects disease severity and could be used to perform both acute and subchronic pharmacological studies in acute radiation syndrome-like diseases in rats.

Circulating Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease: Unlocking the Diagnostic Potential in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, Focusing on Africa

“…These can serve as measures for monitoring treatment responses, assessing disease progression, and identifying suitable participant candidates for clinical trials in the LMIC regions. Moreover, the potential of African medicinal plants as novel therapeutic approaches to dementia care in these countries can be better studied within the framework of improved traditional medicines for dementia and related disorders [ 97 , 98 ]. The incorporation of blood biomarkers into clinical trial protocols allows for a more diverse population and comprehensive evaluation of therapeutic interventions, facilitating the monitoring and development of effective treatments.…”

“…This approach is vital to advocate for action, policy development, and support in the region regarding the importance and urgency of the diagnosis and management of AD and related dementias, as was recently declared in Nairobi during the LMIC conference on dementia [36]. Examples of networks and partnerships established by the Africa Dementia Consortium, Africa Biofluid Brain Biobank (A4B), and the Brain Research Africa Initiative (BRAIN) can be very useful in this regard [99].…”

An Eluate of the Medicinal Plant Garcinia kola Displays Strong Antidiabetic and Neuroprotective Properties in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

“…These effects were mediated partly by protecting cerebellar neurons from apoptosis and by decreasing neuroinflammation [ 24 , 25 ]. Moreover, we recently reported the ability of G. kola to improve cognitive and motor functions in a rat model of acute radiation syndrome [ 26 – 27 ]. Interestingly, at the same time, other recent studies also reported G. kola neuroprotective activities in various models of neurodegenerative diseases and conditions [ 28 – 31 ], calling for further studies to develop neuroprotective drugs from G. kola seeds.…”