PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF LOVASTATIN ON NEUROTOXICITY OF EXCESSIVE FLUORIDE IN PRIMARY HIPPOCAMPAL NEURONS

The protective role of lovastatin against neurotoxicity induced by fluorosis was investigated by using primary hippocampal neurons. The cholesterol content, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by biochemical assays. The cell viability was assessed by examining the rate of apoptosis by flow cytometry. The results showed that high fluoride inhibited activity of SOD and increased levels of MDA and apoptosis in the primary neurons. Interestingly, certain dosages of lovastatin, without changing the cholesterol level, attenuated these neurotoxicities resulting from high exposure to fluoride in the primary cultured neurons. The results suggest that lovastatin may play a protective role against the neurotoxicity induced by an excessive amount of fluoride.