Graphene Oxide Nano Sheets Increase Brain Damage and Alter Dopamine, Norepinephrine and 5-Hydroxytryptamine Levels in Brain of Albino Mice

Background: Hazards of graphene particles, as novel application in biomedicine and industry of electronics, have attracted extensive attention. Large number of toxicological studies have evaluated the interactions of graphene nanomaterials with living systems. Although many studies have been performed on graphene-induced toxic effects, toxicological data for the effect of graphene materials on the nervous system are lacking. Aim: To follow whether graphene oxide nano-sheets (GONs) affect malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) contents, also, mice brain neurotransmitters levels upon using different increasing doses at different time intervals. Materials and methods: The present study focused on the biological effects of GONs, at 10, 50, 100, 250 and 500 µg/kg bw, on mice brain content of GSH, MDA and NO after 7, 28 and 56 days of injection. Moreover, dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels, in mice brain, were also evaluated. Results: Data obtained revealed significant decreases in GSH content coupled with significant increases in MDA and NO contents after GONs injection and these changes was dose and time dependent. Meanwhile, DA and 5- HT levels s in mice brain revealed fluctuating responses, NE level showed significant elevations at different time intervals. Conclusion: GONs increased oxidative stress, decreased DA and increased 5-HT and NE levels in brain of adult albino mice. The neurotoxic effects were dose and time dependent.