The influence of N-Acetylcysteine on locomotor activity, brain oxidative damage, and demyelination in MK-801 model of schizophrenia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on potential cerebral demyelination, oxidative damage and schizophrenia-like behaviors caused by MK-801 which is an N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist. For this, 4 groups were formed by dividing 24 male BALB/c mice into groups of six. The control group was given a saline solution (10 ml/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.). While MK-801 (1 mg/kg-i.p.) was given both alone and with NAC (100 mg/kg-i.p.), the last group was given only NAC (100 mg/kg-i.p.). The injections were made for 14 days. It was observed that, MK-801 caused behavioral problems. When the brain was examined, it was determined that it caused a reduction in the weight of the brain, glial cell infiltration, vacuolization in neurons and shrinking in the cell nuclei in the hippocampus. A reduction in myelin basic protein (MBP) secretion was also observed. In the mice given NAC as a protector, it was observed that behavioral problems covered, antioxidant levels increased, and other impairments were repaired. It was concluded that NAC may have a neuroprotective effect.