The protective effect of N-acetylcysteine amide against paraquat-induced neurotoxicity

Abstract

N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) is a new antioxidant molecule with powerful radical scavenging properties.The aim of this study was to investigate neuroprotective effects of NACA against paraquat (PQ) toxicity in the midbrainsof rats by using motor coordination tests and biochemical and histological analysis. Thirty adult Wistar albino rats weredivided into three groups: Group 1: control (n = 10), Group 2: PQ (10 mg/kg) (n = 10), and Group 3: PQ (10 mg/kg)+ NACA (100 mg/kg) (n = 10). NACA was administrated intraperitoneally 30 min before PQ injection. Performancewas measured for a period of 28 days. The rotarod and accelerod tests were performed prior to and after the experimentalperiod. After the experimental period, rats were sacrificed and midbrain tissues were removed. According to biochemicaldata, malondialdehyde levels exhibited a significant increase (P