The Effect of Ascorbic Acid and Garlic Administration on Lead-Induced Apoptosis in Rat Offspring's Eye Retina

Introduction: Lead toxicity induces retinal cell apoptosis. Vitamin C and garlic may decrease lead-induced apoptosis. This study was undertaken to investigate vitamin C and garlic protective effects on lead-induced apoptosis in eye retina. Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats (n = 72) were divided randomly into 9 groups: (L) treated rats with lead acetate in drinking water and (L+AA) with leaded water and vitamin C intraperitoneally;(L+G), the rats received leaded-water and garlic juice via gavage; (L+AA+G) treated rats with leaded water, ascorbic acid, and garlic juice, (AA) with ascorbic acid, and (G) with garlic juice; (AA+G) treated rats with vitamin C and garlic juice and (Sh) with tap water plus normal hydrogen chloride (HCl) and glucose; normal (N). After 21-day lactation, blood lead level (BLL) in rats was measured, and then their offspring and the rat offspring''s eyes were removed and processed for using TUNEL method. TUNEL positive cells in the eye retina were counted and all groups were compared. Results: BLL increased in L group compared to the control groups and decreased significantly in L + G, L + AA, and L+ AA + G groups compared to L group (P<0.05). TUNELL positive cell number in eye retina significantly increased in L group compared to control groups (P<0.05) and decreased in L+ G, L+ AA, and L+AA + G groups compared to L group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Garlic juice and ascorbic acid administration during pregnancy and lactation may protect lead-induced apoptosis in rat offspring''s eye retina. Key Words: Lead, Garlic, Ascorbic acid, Apoptosis, Retina