Compounds from Ilex paraguariensis extracts confer antioxidant effects in the brains of rats subjected to chronic immobilization stress

Immobilization induces oxidative damage to the brain. Ilex paraguariensis extracts (Mate) and chlorogenic acid (CGA), its major natural compound, exert protective effects against reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Here, the effects of Mate and CGA on oxidative damage induced by chronic immobilization stress (CIS) in cortex (CTX), hippocampus (HIP) and striatum (STR) were investigated. For CIS, animals were immobilized during 6 h every day for 21 consecutive days. Rats received Mate or CGA daily by intra-gastric gavage 30 min before every restraint session. Endpoints of oxidative stress (levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) forms of glutathione) were evaluated following CIS. While CIS increased oxidized lipids and carbonyl levels in all brain regions, CGA (and Mate in a lesser extent) attenuated lipid and protein oxidation as compared to control groups. GSH/GSSG balance showed a tendency to increase in all regions in response to stress and antioxidants. Taken together, our results support a protective role of dietary antioxidants against the neuronal consequences of stress.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author