Effects of lithium on membrane fluidity and lipid profile in brain membranes of aluminum-treated rats

Abstract

The effects of lithium (Li) supplementation on lipid profile and fluidity of cerebrum and cerebellum membranes in aluminum (Al)-treated rats were investigated. A significant decrease in the levels of total lipids and cholesterol was observed in both the regions following Al exposure, which however were significantly increased following Li supplementation. Further, glycolipids and gangliosides contents were significantly decreased in cerebrum, but increased in cerebellum following Al treatment. Interestingly, Li supplementation reversed the trends and regulated the levels of glycolipids and gangliosides. Al treatment also elevated conjugated diene formation and phospholipid levels in both cerebrum and cerebellum membranes, which however were decreased upon Li supplementation. The cholesterol/phospholipid ratio however was decreased after Al treatment and Li supplementation was able to enhance the ratio in both cerebrum and cerebellum. Further, Al treatment significantly increased the fluorescence polarization, anisotropy and order parameter, which however were normalized following Li supplementation. The levels of Al were also found to be significantly elevated in cerebrum and cerebellum after Al treatment and normalized in cerebellum following Li treatment. Therefore, the present study shows the potential of Li in regulating the changes produced by Al on membrane composition and fluidity in rat brain.