Effects of taurine on the levels of essential elements in the brain of aluminum-exposed rats

Objective: Aluminum (Al) is an abundant element in nature, and the toxic effect of excess Al on the nervous system has been demonstrated in other studies. Taurine is one of the most essential amino acids in organs throughout the body. The study aims to discuss the effect of taurine on the levels of essential elements in the brain of rats after Al exposure. Material and methods: 42 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group (saline for 8 weeks), Al exposure group (281.4 mg/kg/day of AlCl(3)x6H(2)O for the first 4 weeks, and saline for the subsequent 4 weeks), taurine (low, medium, and high dose) treatment group (281.4 mg/kg/day of AlCl(3)x6H(2)O for the first 4 weeks, and 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg/day of taurine, respectively, for the subsequent 4 weeks), and taurine prevention group (400 mg/kg/day of taurine 4 hours after Al administration as before for the first 4 weeks, and 400 mg/kg/day of taurine for the subsequent 4 weeks). The contents of brain calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and Al were determined at the end of the experiment. Results: Al exposure led to a significant increase of the level of Al and to a significant decrease of the Mg, Cu, Fe, and Zn levels in the brain of rats compared with those in the control group (p < 0.05). Taurine (medium and high dose) treatment and preventive treatment all induced a significant increase in the levels of Mg and Zn and a significant decrease of the Al level in the brain compared with the Al exposure group. Moreover, taurine (high dose) treatment induced a significant increase in the level of Fe, and preventive treatment induced a significant increase in the level of Cu in the brain compared with the Al exposure group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results show that Al can disturb the balance of some essential elements in the brain, and taurine can prevent the detrimental changes.