Abstract

Background: Leukoencephalopathy (LEP) is a type of disease producing a variety of neurologic disturbances, the most prominent of which is dementia. The aim of the present study is to test the modulatory effect of sinapic acid against toluene induced dementia of LEP type in rats.

Materials and Methods: The study was designed to induce dementia by inhalation of toluene vapours (0.7% in air for 15 min.) for a period of 14 days in rats and then divided among different groups, i.e. Treatment group, negative control and two groups of sinapic acid, (at a dose of 20 and 40mg/kg, p.o.). These groups were treated and observed until the 28th day of experimental trial. The avoidance/escape behaviour was measured via Pole Climbing Apparatus; spatial memory was measured via Morris Water Maze, and locomotion was measured via photoactometer (beam breaks). The behavioral, Neuronal and biochemical parameters were determined. The estimation of Monoamine Oxidase (MAO-A, MAO-B), TNF-α, Acetylcholine esterase Enzyme and various antioxidant enzymes (GSH, TBARS, Nitrite, Catalase) was done by methods available in literature. Histological changes in the brain were also observed.

Result: Rats receiving 40 mg/kg of sinapic acid showed a significant therapeutic activity against toluene induced dementia of LEP type in rats.

Conclusion: From the present experimental findings, it has been concluded that a dose of 40 mg/kg, (p.o.) of sinapic acid provides better neuromodulation in neurons against toluene induced dementia of LEP type in rats with a better choice of drug.

Keywords: Toluene induced dementia, sinapic acid, pharmacological, leukoencephalopathy, histopathological study, spatial memory.

Graphical Abstract