Methylmercury (MeHg) represents the most toxic form of mercury, which in chronic intoxications induces motor and cognitive impairment in adult rats. Studies suggest that this metal has a tropistic effect on the cerebellum, however few researches aim to elucidate the mechanisms associated with low-dose MeHg-induced damage in a subchronic exposure model. Thus, the objective of this study was to verify motor, tissue, oxidative and proteomic biochemical alterations induced by subchronic exposure to low doses of MeHg. Fifty six male Wistar rats, 90 days old, were divided into two groups: control group (distilled water) and exposed group (0.04 mg / kg / day of MeHg), both administered via intragastric gavage for 60 days. After the exposure period, the open field and rotarod behavioral tests were performed. Subsequently, the cerebellum from these animals were collected for biochemical analysis, proteomics, mercury tissue deposits, and immunohistochemistry evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test, considering a significant value of p <0.05. The proteomic profile was analyzed by the ProteinLynx Global SERVER ™ software (PLGS). Proteins with p <0.05 were considered super-regulated proteins and those with p <0.95 were considered as sub-regulated proteins. The test used was Fisher's exact test with Bonferroni correction. Our results demonstrated a decrease in the motor tests of the animals exposed to MeHg. Open field test showed a decrease in total distance covered and the number of rearing in comparison to the control group with p <0.05. Rotarod test presented a decrease in the time for the first latency to fall and an increase in the number of falls in the MeHg group in comparison to the control with p <0.05. The biochemical evaluation showed an increase in nitrite and lipid peroxidation levels and a reductions of Antioxidant Capacity Against Peroxils radicals (ACAP) with p <0.05. Considering the proteomic profile of these animals, among the 1220 proteins identified, 436 proteins were found exclusively in the control group and 311 proteins exclusively in the MeHg group. Also, 358 proteins were found overexpressed and 115 subexpressed proteins. All proteins interactions were depicted on 3 interactions networks to perform proteomic alterations analysis. In addition, the tissue evaluation showed a decrease in Purkinje cells and NeuN + cells and a smaller amount of IBA1+ cells. Area fraction analysis showed a smaller number of GFAP positive cells, synaptophysins and MBP +. Thus, our results suggest that MeHg intoxication provoked cellular and proteomic damage probably related to induced oxidative stress and also reflecting on motor deficit in behavioral tests.
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