Ascorbic acid ameliorates oxidative damage induced by maternal low-level lead exposure in the hippocampus of rat pups during gestation and lactation

► Pb exposure causes neurotoxicity. ► Main mechanism involve in Pb toxicity is oxidative stress. ► Ascorbic acid supplementation was effective in restoring Cu/Zn SOD, Mn SOD, and CAT levels. ► Ascorbic acid is a potential antioxidant for Pb-induced oxidative stress in developing hippocampus.