Efeitos da exposição a baixas doses de pilocarpina e ao crack sobre sistema de enzimas antioxidantes

Abstract

The brain is highly susceptible to oxidative damage, this is configured by the high oxygen consumption contrasted with the antioxidant capacity. In addition, the autoxidation of neurotransmitters, the presence of high levels of transition metal content and the abundance of polyunsaturated fats in cell membranes led to this brain vulnerability. Studies already irritate that exposure to cocaine/crack and administration of pilocarpine (PILO) for inducing epilepsy in animal models in vivo results in an imbalance of redox status, leading to the development of oxidative stress. , has been linked to seizures and increased brain activity. These substances can develop compulsive or persistent seizures, regardless of the frequency of drug use, excited for the development of seizures. This study investigated the effects of exposure to low doses of PILO and crack on the antioxidant enzyme system in brain tissue. For this, Wistar rats were subjected to microinjection of a low dose of intrahippocampal pilocarpine [H-PILO (0.75 mg/µL)], followed by exposure to crack pyrolysis products [CRK 400 mg)]. They were studied by measuring the concentration of GSH and GSSG, the levels of sulfhydryl compounds, as well as the activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. There is a trend towards an increase in the concentration of sulfhydryl compounds and in the catalase enzyme in the groups treated with H-PILO, crack or both subsequently. As for glutathione, there was an increase trend in the H-PILO group, while the CRK and H-PILO+CRK groups showed levels closer to the control group (CTRL). The oxidized form of glutathione occurred in all treated groups, being significantly lower in the H-PILO+CRK group. These results suggest that exposure to low doses of pilocarpine and crack triggers an adaptive response of the antioxidant system, that is, the body seeks to compensate for the oxidative damage caused by these substances, increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes.