Fig 1.
Experimental timeline.
Fig 2.
Effect of kaempferol and zinc on open-field parameters in Wistar rats exposed to noise stress (Mean ± SEM, n = 6).
Individual rats were placed in the box and allowed to walk freely and become familiarized with the environment for a period of 3 minutes. Thereafter and for the next 2 minutes, the number of squares crossed with all the paws by each rat was recorded. Rearing was measured by determining the frequency at which the rat stood on its hind-limbs; with the fore-paws lifted freely or leaned against the wall of the apparatus during the next 2 minutes, after the initial 3 minutes of habitation. The frequency of grooming, the number of feces and puddles of urine voided were observed and recorded using a camera. A) Effect of kaempferol and zinc on the frequency of rearing. B) Effect of kaempferol and zinc on the frequency of stretch-attends postures (number). C) Effect of kaempferol and zinc on the frequency of defecation. D) Effect of kaempferol and zinc on the frequency of urination E) Effect of kaempferol and zinc on the frequency of grooming. F) Effect of kaempferol and zinc on locomotion. a P < 0.05, b P < 0.01, is significantly different compared to control group (DW+N). DW, Deionized water; K, Kaempferol; Zn, Zinc gluconate; N, Noise.
Fig 3.
Effect of kaempferol and zinc on neuromuscular coordination in Wistar rats exposed to noise stress (Mean ± SEM, n = 6).
Neuromuscular coordination was assessed using the inclined plane. The highest angle at which the rat could no longer stay, standing horizontally and facing any of the directions was recorded. Two trials were performed for each testing period. DW, Deionized water; K, Kaempferol; ZnG, Zinc gluconate; N, Noise.
Fig 4.
Effect of kaempferol and zinc on motor balance (beam walk) in Wistar rats exposed to noise stress (Mean ± SEM, n = 6).
The motor balance was assessed using the beam-walk performance task. As the rat walked across, the width of the beam at which it stepped down was recorded by one rater on each side, and this was repeated twice during each trial session. a P < 0.05, b P < 0.01, c P < 0.001, is significantly different compared to control group (DW+N). * P < 0.05, is significantly different compared to K + Zn + N group. DW, Deionized water; K, Kaempferol; Zn, Zinc gluconate; N, Noise.
Fig 5.
Effect of kaempferol and zinc on motor strength (fore-paw grip) in Wistar rats exposed to noise stress (Mean ± SEM, n = 6).
The time spent by each rat before releasing its grip was recorded in seconds. a P < 0.05, b P < 0.01, is significantly different compared to control group (DW+N). DW, Deionized water; K, Kaempferol; Zn, Zinc gluconate; N, Noise.
Fig 6.
Effect of kaempferol and zinc on sensorimotor reflex in Wistar rats exposed to noise stress (Mean ± SEM, n = 6).
a P < 0.05, is significantly different compared to control group (DW+N). DW, Deionized water; K, Kaempferol; Zn, Zinc gluconate; N, Noise.
Fig 7.
Effect of kaempferol and zinc on learning and memory in Wistar rats exposed to noise stress (Mean ± SEM, n = 6).
A) Effect of kaempferol and zinc on learning. B) Effect of kaempferol and zinc on memory. Learning and memory assessment was carried out using the step-down inhibitory avoidance task and the number of times the rat stepped down with all its limbs after receiving an electric shock was used as an index of learning. The maximum learning and memory ability was observed when the rat stayed on the platform for 2 minutes without stepping down. a P < 0.05, b P < 0.01, is significantly different compared to control group (DW+N). DW, Deionized water; K, Kaempferol; Zn, Zinc gluconate; N, Noise.
Table 1.
Effect of kaempferol and zinc gluconate on concentrations of brain nitric oxide and malondialdehyde, and activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and Superoxide dismutase in Wistar rats exposed to noise stress (Mean ± SEM, n = 6).