Abstract

In the present study, Iron oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesized using a simple chemical co-precipitation method followed by systematic characterization and neurotoxicity assessment in Wistar rats. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed that the average particle diameter is 16±2 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) stick pattern confirms the crystalline cubic spinel structure of IONPs having average diameter of 15 nm. The UV–visible spectrum of IONPs showed absorption maxima at 307–345 nm. Rats were intraperitonealy administered with low dose, moderate dose and high dose of purified and functionalized IONPs dispersed in water. These rats were autopsied on 7, 14, and 28 days post exposure. For neurotoxicity assessment, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as levels of Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were estimated in brain sub-regions namely, frontal cortex, hippocampus, corpus striatum and cerebellum. Activity of SOD and CAT increased in treated groups as compared to control group. Though activity of SOD was found to be significantly high in hippocampus and corpus striatum sub-regions on day 14th but there occurred no significant changes in CAT activity. TBARS level showed an elevation in all treatment groups at day 7th and day 14th with a significant increase in hippocampus and corpus striatum region of high dose group animals on 7th day, whereas there was a slight decline in its level post 28th day of IONP exposure. From this study, we conclude that more focused study is required to avoid adverse impacts of IONPs before it is used as a tool in biomedical applications. 

Keywords

IONPs, SOD, CAT, TBARS, Wistar rat, Neurotoxicity.

Received on 15/12/2017, Accepted on 03/01/2018, Published on 12/01/2018