Ameliorative effect of L-Glutamic acid against CCl4- induced oxidative stress in rat's brain and spleen

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) causes tissues damage by inducing a state of oxidative stress. This research was arranged to evaluate the role of L-glutamic acid (L-Glu) against oxidative stress induced by CCl4 in brain and spleen tissues of rats. Antioxidant profiles were evaluated by estimating the activities of antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and reduced glutathione (GSH). In addition to this, the lipid peroxidation products content (TBARS and LOOH) was monitored. Rats were divided into three groups: two experimental (CCl4, CCl4/L-Glu) and Control. The rats of CCl4 group were treated with CCl4 only, CCl4/L-Glu group was treated with CCl4 and L-Glu. Administration of CCl4 reduced the antioxidant enzymes activity in the spleen and brain tissues of rats. Co-treatment of L-Glu restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes GPx (brain), GST (spleen), GR (spleen, brain) compared to control and CCl4 experimental group of animals. Increased spleen TBARS content was observed in rats treated with CCl4. But this index didn't change in the CCl4/L-Glu group, which additionally received L-Glu. Results of the present study revealed that LGlu could protect the brain and spleen tissues against oxidative stress induced by CCl4.