Aluminium Choride Induced Neurotoxicity in Experimental Rats - a Review

Introduction: aluminium is a nonferrous metal which is consumed daily by people knowingly or unknowingly from various sources like the air, food, drinking water and medicines. The debate on the issue that aluminium (Al) could be a contributing factor for some neurological diseases have intrigued several researchers to focus their study on effect of Al on the nervous system. The neurotoxicity of Al is well reported but the optimal neurotoxic dose of it is still not clear. This review article compiles different dosages of Aluminium choride (AlCl3) that has induced neurotoxicity in experimental rat models, as AlCl3 is predominanty used in antiperspirants, medicines and cosmetic materials. It is mainly focused upon two routes of administration of AlCl3 i.e oral & intra-peritoneal. The neurotoxic effect of Al leading to various disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and toxic effect in cerebellum, were observed by various authors in experimental rats. We have tabulated different dosages of AlCl3 that has induced neurotoxicity and is effect on different parameters which would be helpful for researchers in conducting experiments in this area. The lethal dose of aluminium chloride (LD 50) is reported as 3630±400mg/kg/body weight by oral route in rats. From numerous studies on rats it is evident that the highest dose of Al given to rats was 1900mg/kgbw by oral route and 150mg/kgbw by intra-peritoneal route.