Influence of glutathione reductase on diquat neurotoxcity assessed by oxidative/nitrosative stress in the cortex of intrastriatally treated rats

In this study we examined if the response of the cortex against diquat (DQ), intrastriatally (i.s.) applied to Wistar rats, was mediated by oxidative/nitrosative stress (OS/NS). In particular, we were focused on the glutathione (GSH) antioxidative role, thus we applied i.s. glutathione reductase (GR) in the pre-treatment of DQ administration. Superoxide anion radical (O2 •-), nitrate (NO3 -), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were measured in ipsi- and contra- lateral sides of the cortex, at 30 minutes, 24 hours and 7 days post treatment. The redox balance was not significantly changed in the cortex of sham operated and intact groups. Also, no differences were observed between the ipsi- and contra- lateral side of the cortex. Lethargy and mortality (30-40%) of the animals in the DQ group within 24 hrs, coincided with rapidly developed lipid peroxidation supported by OS/NS upon i.s. DQ administration. Strong redox potential of DQ probably resulted in a huge deprivation of molecular oxygen. The pretreatment with GR acted neuro-protectively, based on animal survival and absence of lethargy, although, lipid peroxidation was not developed in the GR+DQ group, OS was documented by a high concentration of O2 •- (within 24 hrs), descending and eventually inhibiting SOD activity (at 7 days). [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III41018