Abstract This study aimed to assess oxidative stress in the hippocampus, cortex, striatum, and midbrain of male rats in response to Al ions accumulated in these areas following nasal instillation of nano-alumina (Al2O3NPs) every other day. Rats were divided into groups I and II. The first group was administered deionized water (control), whereas the second group was instilled with a subacute dose of 0.94 mg/kg for 3, 7, and 14 days. The present findings show that the accumulation of Al ions and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in all investigated brain areas of Group II were significantly higher than those of Group I at all corresponding periods, whereas glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly decreased. The experimental periods exhibited significant direct relationships with Al ions and MDA levels in the hippocampus, cortex, striatum, and midbrain of Group II, with considerable positive correlation coefficients, whereas the concentrations of GSH showed a significant inverse relationship and were associated with marked negative correlation coefficients. Additionally, in group II, there were strong inverse relationships between Al ions accumulated in the brain and their GSH content, with significant negative correlation coefficients, whereas the levels of MDA were positively and significantly correlated, with a positive and considerable correlation coefficient. In conclusion, the current findings affirm that repeated dosages of Al2O3NPs have a high tendency to accumulate in brain regions with a high potential to induce oxidative stress.
Keywords Nano-alumina, bioaccumulation, brain areas, oxidative stress, glutathione, malondialdehyde.