Author/Authors :
Erken, Gülten Balikesir Üniversitesi - Tip Fakültesi - Fizyoloji AD, Turkey , Genç, Osman Pamukkale Üniversitesi - Tip Fakültesi - Fizyoloji AD, Turkey , Erken, Haydar Ali Balikesir Devlet Hastanesi, Turkey , Turgut, Sebahat Pamukkale Üniversitesi - Tip Fakültesi - Fizyoloji AD, Turkey , Turgut, Günfer Pamukkale Üniversitesi - Tip Fakültesi - Fizyoloji AD, Turkey
Abstract :
Objective: Cadmium is an environmental pollutant and which is a potent inhibitor of voltage- dependent calcium channels. It has been shown that cadmium can causes functional disturbances in central and peripheral nervous system. In this study, it has been aimed to investigate the effects of cadmium on the spinal reflexes. Materials and Methods: Fourteen, male rats were divided into two groups: Control and Cadmium. Control group animals received tap water and the rats of Cadmium group received cadmium as in the form of cadmium chloride (70 mg/L) diluted in their drinking water during the experimental period. At the end of the 60 days experimental period, the sciatic nerve was stimulated electrically with single pulses and the reflex potentials were recorded from the ipsilateral L5 ventral root. Results: After the statistical analysis, the reflex response amplitudes were significantly increased in Cadmium group in comparison to the Control group. Conclusion: Subchronic exposure to cadmium affects the rat s spinal reflex responses and extrapolation of these results to humans indicate similar possible consequences.
