Effects of Exposure to VOCs on Spatial Learning and Memory Capacity and the Expression of NMDA Receptor in Mice

摘要

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) susceptibility is triggered by VOCs present both indoors and outdoors. It has become an important public health concern in both domestic and occupational settings. In the present study, memory and learning capacity, grip strength of mice after exposed to VOCs were investigated. Meanwhile, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit 1, 2A and 2B expressions in hippocampus and oxidative damage levels in brain were analyzed. Results showed no significant changes in grip strength but mice following exposure to high dose VOCs took significantly longer swimming time to reach the platform and made more errors in comparison to the control. The RT-PCR analysis also revealed NR1, NR2A, NR2B decreased in hippocampus. Moreover, VOCs exposure induced oxidative stress in brain. The findings indicate that short-term VOCs inhalation didn?t induce damage on physique and motor function of mice but negatively affected learning and memory capacity by decreasing expression of the NMDA receptor through the direct effects on the nervous system. Oxidative damage in brain might be implicated in VOCs-induced neurotoxicity.