Oral administration of potassium bromate induces neurobehavioral changes, alters cerebral neurotransmitters level and impairs brain tissue of swiss mice

BACKGROUND: Potassium bromate (KBrO(3)) is widely used as a food additive and is a major water disinfection by-product. The present study reports the side effects of KBrO(3) administration on the brain functions and behaviour of albino mice. METHODS: Animals were divided into three groups: control, low dose KBrO(3) (100 mg/kg/day) and high dose KBrO(3) (200 mg/kg/day) groups. RESULTS: Administration of KBrO(3) led to a significant change in the body weight in the animals of the high dose group in the first, second and the last weeks while water consumption was not significantly changed. Neurobehavioral changes and a reduced Neurotransmitters levels were observed in both KBrO(3) groups of mice. Also, the brain level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in KBrO(3) receiving animals was decreased. Histological studies favoured these biochemical results showing extensive damage in the histological sections of brain of KBrO(3)-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that KBrO(3) has serious damaging effects on the central nervous system and therefore, its use should be avoided.