Objective: This study investigates the correlation between oxidative stress in various neural structures induced by manganese (Mn) and the onset of anxious and depressive behaviours in rats.
Background: Manganese-induced Parkinson’s syndrome, resulting from exposure to manganese, is characterized by symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease, including motor and non-motor disorders. Depression and anxiety in this syndrome may stem from both psychological shock and neurochemical dysfunctions, notably dopamine reduction in the striatum. The syndrome may also alter other brain regions involved in mood regulation.
Method: Three experimental groups of rats received MnCl2 injections at two doses (6 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg), and a control group received daily intraperitoneal injections of NaCl over 12 weeks. The rats’ weight was monitored weekly. Following the treatment period, the rats were subjected to a series of neurobehavioral tests prior to euthanasia to facilitate the extraction and analysis of oxidative stress levels in the prefrontal cortex, frontal cortex, hippocampus, and olfactory bulb.
Results: Neurobehavioral tests indicated that all rats treated with the highest dose of Mn (25 mg/kg) exhibited anxious and depressive behaviors, which correlated with significant increases in nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and catalase levels in the studied structures. Conversely, the lowest dose of Mn (6 mg/kg) did not significantly increase these markers, correlating with the absence of anxious and depressive behaviors in 60% of this group.
Conclusion: Elevated levels of oxidative stress in the frontal cortex, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and olfactory bulb are associated with the development of anxious and depressive behaviors in rats, simulating a Parkinson’s-like syndrome. Additional neurochemical studies are recommended to explore the mechanisms underlying these observations further.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
H. Harifi, H. Hami, L. Bikjdaouene. Impact of manganese exposure on neurobehavioral disorders in rats: Insights into oxidative stress pathways and Parkinsonian syndrome pathophysiology [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impact-of-manganese-exposure-on-neurobehavioral-disorders-in-rats-insights-into-oxidative-stress-pathways-and-parkinsonian-syndrome-pathophysiology/. Accessed November 20, 2025.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impact-of-manganese-exposure-on-neurobehavioral-disorders-in-rats-insights-into-oxidative-stress-pathways-and-parkinsonian-syndrome-pathophysiology/