Comparative Analysis of Own Experimental Data on Changes in Rat Behavioral Responses Following Subchronic Exposure to Various Nanoparticles

Abstract

Introduction: Air pollution with nanoparticles (NPs) of different chemical composition is registered almost everywhere and, along with the growing use of nanotechnology products, poses serious human health risks related to NP exposure, included those for the nervous system. Objective: To compare changes in functioning of the central nervous system in rats following subchronic intraperitoneal exposure to nickel, manganese, copper, zinc, lead, silicon, and titanium oxide nanoparticles based on the results of behavioral tests. Materials and methods: We compared findings of our own subchronic toxicity studies of Ni, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Si, and Ti oxide nanoparticles with a focus on behavioural responses. Results: The comparison showed differences in severity of rat behavioral responses observed after subchronic intraperitoneal instillation of metal oxide nanoparticles at a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg of body weight. We observed a decrease in exploratory activity of rats that was statistically significant in the group of rodents exposed to Mn3O4, NiO, and PbO NPs, and a change in the summation threshold index that increased statistically in the CuO and ZnO nanoparticle exposure groups. Conclusion: Our findings contribute to understanding of neurotoxic effects of nanoparticles and facilitate a more profound and trustworthy assessment of human health risks.