Evaluation of imidacloprid-induced neurotoxicity in male rats: a protective effect of curcumin.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the neurotoxic effect and biochemical alteration as a result of imidacloprid (IMI) exposure and potential protective role of curcumin (Cur) against it in rats. Rats were administered with IMI (45 and 90 mg/kg body weight; orally) and Cur (100 mg/kg body weight; orally) alone and in combinations for the period of 28 days. Significant decrease in spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA) and pain threshold were observed in animals treated with the IMI, while the effect was attenuated by the Cur co-treatment. Acetylcholinestaerase, ATPase and serum biochemicals such as creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, sorbitol dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) as result of IMI exposure and these enzyme levels were reversed in groups treated with the Cur in IMI treatments. Also, IMI caused a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in antioxidant enzymes activity and non-enzymes level with increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO), while Cur administration in IMI treatments restored the altered activity of antioxidant system with decrease in LPO. The IMI induced brain damage was minimized as result of Cur co-administration in rats. In conclusion, Cur restores the altered functions of biochemical markers and neurotoxicity in IMI exposed rats.