Investigation of Behavioral Changes and Histopathological Changes in the Brain in Alzheimer’s Modeled Mice With Aluminium Chloride (AlCl3)

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Aluminium (Al) is related with many brain diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, however the relation between Al and neurodegenerative diseases is still controversial. In this study behavioral and histopathological changes were investigated in the AlCl3 induced Alzheimer’s model in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male and female mice divided into control (tap water) and test (50 mg/kg/day AlCl3) groups. After ninety days of AlCl3/water intake, rota rod, elevated plus maze, Passive Avoidance tests were performed to assess motor coordination, spatial and emotional learning and memory, respectively. After the behavioural experiments, histopathological examination was made in the brain. RESULTS: No difference was found between the groups and the genders in the rota-rot test. Learning and memory were impaired in both gender. Long term memory impaired female mice in the test group. Neuron loss was observed in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampus CA1 regions in the test group, while an increase in pycnotic nucleated cells was observed. Neurofibrillary tangles were also observed in the hippocampus, with neurons with basophilic nuclei prominently. CONCLUSION: As a result, long-term exposure to low doses of aluminum may cause behavioral changes and histopathological changes in the brain.