Mojtaba Ehsanifar - Anatomical Research Center, Kashan University of medical Sciences
Zeinab Montazeri - Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

Background and Aim : It has been shown that sub-chronic exposure to nanoscale (˂100 nm) diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) containing air pollution may lead to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in adult male mice. In the current study, we investigated the effects of DEPs on hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and neuroinflammation and memory-related gene expression in male mice.Methods : In this study, we divided 48 adult male mice into one control group and three exposure groups. Animals were exposed to 350-400μg/m3 DEPs for 3, 6 and 8 hours daily for 12 weeks. The elevated plus maze and Morris water maze device were used to examine anxiety and spatial learning, respectivelyResults : The mRNAs expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits and glutaminase were studied in the hippocampus (HI) by real-time RT-PCR. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) tests were used to determine the state of oxidative stress. After 6 and 8 h of exposure to DEPs, the mRNA expression of NR2A and NR3B in IL1α, IL1β, TNFα, NMDA receptor subunits and MDA levels increased significantly (P <0.05). Also, the exposed mice to DEPs for 3, 6, and 8 h showed a decreased entering to the open arms and spent less time there.Conclusion : As well as, 6 and 8h/day exposed mice required a longer time to reach the hidden platform. Sub-chronic exposure to DEPs affects oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and anxiety, and spatial learning and memory.

Nanotoxicology;Air Pollution; Diesel exhaust particles; Learning and memory; Neuroinflammation; Hippocampus