Protective Effect of Microporous Natural Clinoptilolite on Lead-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats

Abstract

Background: Lead poisoning impairs memory and learning. Objectives: The protective effect of natural zeolite clinoptilolite on memory and learning impairment in rats exposed to lead acetate was investigated. Materials and Methods: 60 male Wistar rats in six groups treated for 2 months with diets contained different ratios of natural zeolite(i.e. 5% or 12.5%), and %0.2 lead acetate (LA) concentrations. behavioral test was evaluated by passive avoidance learning method in shuttle box at 6, 12, 24, 48 hours, and one week after the shock test. Results: digestive exposure with 0.2% lead acetate in the presence of zeolite additive had no effect on the rats’ memory performance (P < 0.05). Adding 5 and 12.5%w/w of natural zeolite to the rats’ feed improved short-term, medium-term, and long-term memory performance (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. Conclusion: observed improvement in memory function can be considered in part as the indirect effects of cation exchange or adsorption property of zeolites.