Original articleQuercetin treatment against NaF induced oxidative stress related neuronal and learning changes in developing rats

The present study evaluates the protective role of quercetin against sodium fluoride (NaF) induced neurotoxicity in developing rat brain using biochemical, behavioural and histopathological parameters. Timed pregnant Wistar rats were chosen for the study and they were distributed into three groups (group 1: control, group 2: fluoride and group 3: fluoride- quercetin). The study duration is for 53 days (i.e. Gestational and post gestational period), where in the control group received normal tap water; Fluoride group received 20 ppm fluoride and the third group received both 20 ppm of Fluoride and 20 mg of quercetin through oral gavage. Behavioural studies were done using postnatal pups of 21 and 30 days age. The brains of postnatal pups of 14, 21 and 30 days age were collected and used for biochemical and histopathological analysis. The present study indicates the reversal of NaF induced alterations, such as decreased body and brain weights, increased lipid peroxidation, epinephrine levels as well as decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, acetylcholine and norepinephrine levels. Quercetin administration has reversed learning inability and morphological changes in neuron structure. Thus, quercetin exerts neuroprotective property in developing rat brain by ameliorating the NaF induced oxidative stress, alterations in behavioural, neurotransmitters and histopathological alterations.