Effects of Nanosilver and Salt-Loading on Neurobehavioural Functions and Long-Term Memory on Sprague Dawley Rats

The widespread use of nanosilver (AgNPs) in consumer products, coupled with the global prevalence of high-salt diets, have raised concerns about potential neurotoxic effects, particularly when both factors coexist. Despite its popularity for antimicrobial properties, concerns about its neurotoxic potential have emerged, as evidence suggests that nano-sliver can cross the blood-brain barrier potentially leading to oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, and cognitive impairments. This study examined the individual and combined effects of nanosilver exposure and salt-loading on neurobehavioural functions and long-term memory using the Sprague Dawley rat model. Twenty five male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 90g-140g were acclimatized for four weeks and divided into five groups (n=5 per group). Group 1(control) was given normal rats chow and water, Group 2 received high salt diet containing 8% NaCl, Group 3 received nano-sliver and normal feed, Group 4 received high salt diets and nanosilver, Group 5, combination of high salts diets , nanosliver and Amlodpine(1mg/kg body weight ) by oral gavage for 18weeks. Cognitive and behavioral assessments were conducted using the Y-Maze Test for spatial memory, the Novel Object Recognition Test (NOR) for recognition memory, and the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) for anxietylike behavior. Statistical analysis was performed using Graph pad prism version 10.2.2, employing Student's T tests with significance set at p0.05). In conclusion this study suggests that the dosage, exposure duration, or compensatory neuroprotective mechanisms in the rats may have mitigated potential cognitive impairments.