THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF A Lactobacillus Rhamnosus PROBIOTIC AGAINST CHRONIC LEAD-INDUCED NEUROTOXICITY IN DEVELOPING WISTAR RATS (GESTATION AND LACTATION)

This study aims to examine the effects induced by lead acetate (Pb) using different experimental approaches, such as neurobehavioral, biochemical, and histological in young Wistar rats during gestation and lactation, and to test the probiotic effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Prob) throughout correcting or not the harmful effects of the studied metal. Chronic exposure to 0.2% lead acetate in rats during the development period resulted in a decrease in body and brain weights compared to controls. Test results for depression (forced swimming test), anxiety (Elevated plus ma2e), and locomotor and exploratory activity (Open field) all show that Pb intoxication causes neurobehavioraldisorders, leading to decreased locomotor activity and a reduction of the exploration behavior of the environment which reflects the establishment of a state of stress, anxiety, and depression. In fact, the histopathological analysis revealed significant lesions in the brain tissue. Furthermore, the administration of probiotics (Prob) allowed the rats to regain body and brain weight when compared to the intoxicated rats. In addition, the use of various behavioral test techniques reveals that the administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus corrects the depressive state, locomotor hypoactivity, and anxiety observed in rats exposed to Pb. Blood antioxidant status analysis revealed that Prob restored the activity of different antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH) and non-enzymatic enzymes (glutathione) in rats intoxicated and treated with Prob. In effect, the histological study showed a significant improvement in the brain histology in rats intoxicated and treated with Prob. This illustrates the important implications of probiotic lactobacilli and their therapeutic properties.