Effect of bacoside A on membrane‐bound ATPases in the brain of rats exposed to cigarette smoke

Abstract

Membrane-bound enzymes play a vital role in neuronal function through maintenance of membrane potential and impulse propagation. We have evaluated the harmful effects of chronic cigarette smoking on membrane-bound ATPases and the protective effect of Bacoside A in rat brain. Adult male albino rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for a period of 12 weeks and simultaneously administered with Bacoside A (the active principle isolated from Bacopa monniera) at a dosage of 10 mg/kg b.w/day, p.o. The levels of lipid peroxides as marker for evaluating the extent of membrane damage, the activities of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, Ca²⁺-ATPase and Mg²⁺-ATPase, and associated cations sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), and magnesium (Mg²⁺) were investigated in the brain. Neuronal membrane damage was evident from the elevated levels of lipid peroxides and decreased activities of membrane-bound enzymes. Disturbances in the electrolyte balance with accumulation of Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ and depletion of K⁺and Mg²⁺ were also observed. Administration of Bacoside A inhibited lipid peroxidation, improved the activities of ATPases, and maintained the ionic equilibrium. The results of our study indicate that Bacoside A protects the brain from cigarette smoking induced membrane damage. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 19:59–65, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20050