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Effect of aluminum consumption on the vestibulo-ocular reflex

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Abstract

The effects of chronic exposure (90 days) to Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) were analyzed in 3, 10 and 24 month old male rats (n=270) by investigating the function of the VOR (vestibulo-ocular reflex) in correlation with Aluminum (Al) concentrations in blood and brain. The VOR was chosen and tested in basal conditions (pre-exposure measures) and during the continuous administration of three different concentrations of AlCl3 (0.5, 1, 2 g/l in drinking solution): the control animals being exposed to NaCl (0.125, 0.25 and 5 g/l in drinking solution). Results showed that LOAEL (Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level) was 43.1±11.4 mg Al/kg-day. At this concentration the Al induced significant VOR impairment in all exposed rats, regardless of animal age. Neuroanatomical analysis showed that VOR impairment was not dependent on astrocyte damage nor evidences of amyloid deposits in the exposed rats was found. Significant changes of Al concentrations were observed in nervous tissue, while its concentration in whole blood was unaffected. Furthermore, results show that it is possible to identify an individual neurotoxic threshold for each animal and therefore hypothesize the clinical use of the VOR test for the evaluation of individual risk toxicity to chronic Al exposure.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant of Regione Autonoma della Sardegna (R.A.S.). Authors wish to thank Messrs. Giancarlo Sanna, Andrea Monti and Franco Tavera for their assistance and technical support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Human Physiology Division, V.le S. Pietro 43/B, 07100, Sassari, Italy

    O. Mameli & M. A. Caria

  2. Department of Agricultural Environmental Sciences and Biotechnology, Environmental Chemistry Division, Via De Nicola 1, 07100, Sassari, Italy

    P. Melis

  3. Anatomic Pathology Service, Dolo Hospital, Venezia, Italy

    P. Zambenedetti

  4. Joseph Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubliana, Slovenia

    M. Ramila

  5. CNR-Institute for Biomedical Technologies, “Padova Unit Metalloprotein”, 35121, Padova, Italy

    P. Zatta

  6. Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Human Physiology Division, Viale S. Pietro 43/B, 07100, Sassari, Italy

    O. Mameli

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  1. O. Mameli
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  2. M. A. Caria
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  3. P. Melis
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Correspondence to O. Mameli.

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Mameli, O., Caria, M.A., Melis, P. et al. Effect of aluminum consumption on the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Metab Brain Dis 21, 86–104 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-006-9010-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-006-9010-9

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