Toxic study of anatoxin-A on central nerves system in mice

  Objective   To observe the sub-acute toxic effects of ANTX-A on central nerves system(CNS)in mice.

  Methods   Mice were administered by i.p with different concentrations of ANTX-A for one month.0.9% of sodium chloride solution was used as the control.Neurobehavioral function was measured using Morris water maze test and step-through test, and CNS neuropathological changes were examined.

  Results   Compared with the control group, escape latency was longer and wrong time was more in 200μg/(kg·bw)ANTX-A-treated group in the Morris water maze test(P < 0.05);Step through latency(STL)was shorter and wrong time was more in 200μg/(kg·bw)ANTX-A-treated group in the step-through test(P < 0.05);Several degeneration and necrosis of neuron were observed in the cortex and hippocampus in 200μg/(kg·bw)ANTX-A-treated group.

  Conclusion   The special learning and memory function of mice can be retarded by subacute exposure to ANTX-A.