ABSTRACT
Cyanide is a potent neurotoxic substance that can initiate series of intracellular reactions leading to oxidativestress. To evaluate effect of sublethal administration of potassium cyanide (KCN) on sensorimotor functions and long termvisuo-spatial learning and memory in adult Swiss mice and possible ameliorative role of vitamins A and E. These vitaminsA and E (dietary) are antioxidants that have scavenging properties against free radicals and reactive oxygen species as aresult of oxidative stress induced by cyanide. Thirty-five mice weighing between 18-22 g were used for the study. Theanimals were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7) and exposed to sublethal concentration of potassium cyanide (10%LD50; 1.5 mg/kg). KCN was administered orally while vitamin A (25 mg/kg) and vitamin E (50 mg/kg) were administeredintra-peritoneal (IP) once daily for 28 days. Potassium cyanide (KCN) was first administered and after 10 minutes intervals,followed by vitamin A and then E after 5 minutes, vitamin E were administered across the different treatment groups. Micewere examined for signs of toxicity. Vitamins pre-treatment ameliorated toxic signs. In the dynamics of wire grid, coathanger and stationary beam test, the latency to fall in weeks 2 and 4 were statistically significant. In acquisition and retention,using elevated plus maze (EPM), KCN treated group recorded high transfer latencies in seconds (50.40±1.72 secs) and(57.60±0.93 secs) as compared to group IV (29.40±0.68 secs; 5.60±0.60 secs). Cyanide is a neurotoxin that affects motorfunctions with progressive decline in motor strength and coordination. KCN affects acquisition and retention memory whilepre-treatment with antioxidant vitamins A and E ameliorated these deficits.
