Title: Effects of methionine on distribution of arsenicals and NO metabolism in brain of mice exposed to arsenite
Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of exogenous methionine(Met) on distribution of arsenicals and nitric oxide metabolism in the brain of mice exposed to arsenite in drinking water.Methods Forty mice were divided randomly into 5 groups with 8 mice in each group.The mice in the experimental groups were exposed to drinking water contaminated with 50 mg/L arsenic for four consecutive weeks.At the fourth week,the mice treated intraperitoneally with Met at doses of 100,200,and 400 mg/kg·bw and saline solution separately.Twenty-four hours after cessation of Met administration,the mice were anaesthetized and dissected rapidly.Samples of blood and brain were collected immediately for analysis of arsenic species.Levels of inorganic arsenic(iAs),monomethylarsenic acid(MMA) and dimethylarsenic acid(DMA) were determined with HG-AAS method.Activities of nitric oxide synthase(NOS) and the concentrations of nitric oxide(NO) were determined with kits purchased from Nanjing Jiancheng Co.Results Compared to those treated with saline solution,administration of Met significantly decreased the levels of iAs,MMA and total arsenic levels(TAs) in the blood and the levels of iAs,DMA and TAs in the brain.Activities of NOS and the levels of NO in As exposure group were significantly lower than those of in the control.However administration of Met could ameliorate these toxic effects and NO levels in the group treated with 400mg/kg·bw.Met were significantly higher than those in saline solution treated group.Conclusion Exogenous Met could promote methylation of arsenic,therefore reduce arsenic levels in both blood and brain.Moreover,administration of exogenous methionine could ameliorate the effects of arsenic on NO metabolism in the brain via decreasing arsenic burden.
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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