Rat Brain Damage due to Iron and Copper Toxicity

Brain damage is associated to oxidative stress in iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) overloads in rats, in a dose- and time-dependent accumulation of the metals in the organ. The generation of singlet oxygen in brain measured in vivo by in situ chemiluminescence indicates that Fe and Cu overloads increased phospholipid and protein oxidation, and decreased non enzymetic endogenous antioxidants content in the organ, mainly glutathione (GSH). These results fit with a Fenton/ Haber-Weiss type reaction between iron, copper and endogenously produced superoxide anion (O2 •-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) to yield hydroxyl radical (OH•), as well as reactions involving thiol groups of GSH and proteins.