Neurobehavioural effect of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles and its conventional form on adult male rats and their pups

Abstract EN

Zinc is involved in many protein structures, which had a role in some neurological functions.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles and its conventional one on memory and learning ability of adult male rats and their offspring.

Thirty adult male rats were randomly distributed into 5 groups (6 rats, each).

First group (control group) was injected with Tween 80 (10%), second and third groups, received two doses of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), 5 and 10 mg/kg bwt respectively.

Fourth and fifth groups, administrated two doses of conventional Zinc oxide (CZnO), 5 and 10 mg/kg bwt, respectively.

Rats in all groups were injected intraperitoneally by 1ml/rat for 16 days period, every other day.

A series of neurobehavioural tests including open field, elevated plus maze and Morris water maze test were conducted.

The obtained results indicated that the ZnONPs lower dose improved locomotor behaviour during open field test and had an anxiolytic effect in the elevated plus maze, but higher dose was not beneficial.

It can be concluded that the zinc oxide nanoparticles are better than conventional zinc oxide.