The potential protective effects of tetrahydrobiopterin on cadmium-induced pancreatic changes in male rats

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Physiology. Faculty of Medicine. Assiut University. Egypt.

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental and industrial pollutant. It accumulates in the pancreas and could influence its endocrine and exocrine functions. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is essential for various processes, and present in all tissues of higher organisms. This study was designed to investigate the effect of BH4 on the acute pancreatic damage induced by Cd and detect its mechanism(s) of action. Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups (10 rats each). Control : received saline, Cd: received (single dose of CdCl2 4 mg/kg, i.p.) and BH4+Cd : received (single dose of BH4 20 mg/kg, i.p.) one hour before single dose of CdCl2 (4 mg/kg, i.p.). The α-amylase, lipase, glucose, insulin and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured in serum and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured in pancreatic homogenate. Histopathological examination of pancreas was done. BH4 improved pancreatic functions, where α-amylase, lipase, glucose and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased while insulin levels were significantly increased in serum. Pancreatic damage was ameliorated as evident by significant decrease of ICAM-1 and MDA and significant increase of SOD levels in pancreatic homogenate. Also, the disturbed pancreatic tissues were ameliorated. In conclusion, BH4 induced improvements in pancreatic tissue and functions in cadmium-exposed rats. Part of BH4 beneficial effects could be attributed to anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity

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Bulletin of Egyptian Society for Physiological Sciences
Volume 35, Issue 2
December 2015
Pages 73-85

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