Effects of Quercetin against fluoride-induced neurotoxicity in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats: A stereological, histochemical and behavioral study

Background: Exposure to high levels of fluoride leads to brain developmental and functional damage. Motor performance deficits, learning and memory dysfunctions are related to fluoride neurotoxicity in human and rodent studies.

Materials and methods: Here, we evaluated the effects of Quercetin treatment (25 mg/kg) against sodium fluoride-induced neurotoxicity (NaF, 200 ppm) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male adult rats based on oxidative markers, behavioral performances, mRNA expressions, and stereological parameters. After a 4-week experimental period, the brains of rats were collected and used for molecular and histological analysis.

Results: We found that 4 weeks of NaF exposure decreased body weight, working memory, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression, total volume of mPFC, number of neurons and non-neuronal cells in the mPFC, and anti-oxidative markers (CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px), while increased lipid peroxidation, P53 mRNA expression and anxiety. Quercetin treatment could significantly reverse the neurotoxic effect of NaF in the mPFC.

Conclusions: In summary, Quercetin could decrease the detrimental effects of NaF in the mPFC of adult rats by improving antioxidant potency and consequently decreasing neuronal and non-neuronal apoptosis.