ABSTRACT
Objective: The present study shows the beneficial effect of zinc 10 mg/kg + magnesium 10 mg/kg against cadmium poisoning at a dose of 15 mg/kg
on biochemical parameters and neurobehavioral functions in Wistar rats during a period of 45 days.
Methods: The experiment was carried out on 20 Wistar rats, weighing 180–232 g for an initial weight before starting treatment with cadmium.
The rats are grouped in cages at a rate of 5 in groups: Group (1) control was supplied only with water. Group (2) contaminated with cadmium (Cd):
Water plus oral administration cadmium dose 15 mg/kg/l. Group (3) contaminated with (Cd) dose 15 mg/kg/l in water plus magnesium (Mg) dose
10 mg/kg/l oral administration. Group (4) contaminated with (Cd) dose 15mg/kg/l in water plus zinc (Zn) dose 10 mg/kg/l oral administration.
Results: The rats exposure to cadmium showed a very highly significant decrease in body weight of cadmium-contaminated rats (p<0.001) compared
with the control group. Regarding the biochemical parameters, there was a very highly significant increase (p<0.001) in the cadmium group blood
glucose level compared to the control group, a highly significant increase (p<0.01) in the group urea level. Cadmium compared to the control, a very
highly significant increase (p<0.001) in the creatinine level of the cadmium lot compared to the control, a very highly significant increase (p<0.001)
of transaminases (glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) of the group cadmium relative to the control, complete
blood count demonstrated a very highly significant increase (p<0.001) in the white blood cell count, the hematocrit of the cadmium lot compared to
the control, a very highly significant decrease (p<0.001). The red blood cell and hemoglobin levels of the cadmium group compared to the control.
A significant improvement (p<0.001), (p<0.01), and (p<0.05) of lots: Zinc, magnesium, cadmium + zinc, and cadmium + zinc compared to cadmium.
However, the results obtained from the neurobehavioral tests reveal a significant elevation (p<0.001), (p<0.01), and (p<0.05) in the number of cells
crossed, the number of straightening in the test. Open field in the group exposed to cadmium resulting in locomotors hyperactivity compared to the
control and it is minimal in other groups treated with zinc and magnesium. On the other hand, the plus maze (labyrinth test) revealed a very highly
significant increase (p<0.001), (p<0.01), and (p<0.05) of the time spent in the closed arms of the cadmium group compared to the control, a significant
improvement (p<0.001), (p<0.01), and (p<0.05) of the lots: Zinc, magnesium, cadmium + zinc, and cadmium + zinc compared with cadmium.
Conclusion: Subchronic cadmium toxicity has harmful effects on the biochemical, hematological, and neuro-behavioral parameters of Wistar rats,
with the installation of anxiety that will lead to a depressive state, which will be reduced and improved by the antioxidant effect of zinc + magnesium.
Keywords: Cadmium, Zinc, Magnesium, Wistar rats, Subchronic , Labyrinth test, Open field, Neurobehavioral.