World Journal of Neuroscience, 2011, 1, 31-37 WJNS
doi:10.4236/wjns.2011.13005 Published Online November 2011 (http://www.SciRP.org/journal/wjns/).
Published Online November 2011 in SciRes. http://www.scirp.org/journal/WJNs
Chronic effect of olive oil on some neurotransmitter contents
in different brain regions and physiological, histological
structure of liver and kidney of male albino rats
A. E. Bawazir
Department of Zoology, King Abdul-Aziz University Faculty of Science, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Received 30 April 2011; revised 7 June 2011; accepted 5 September 2011.
ABSTRACT
Olive oil is an important source of mono-unsaturated
fat and a prime component of the Mediterranean diet.
The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to
both its high content of mono-unsaturated fatty acids
and its high content of anti-oxidative substances. The
objective of this study was to investigate the basis for
the epidemiological information relating to the health
benefits associated with the consumption of ex-
tra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). The effect of olive oil on
norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin
(5-HT) and gamm-aminobutyric acid (GABA) con-
tents in different brain regions and histological
structure of liver and kindey of male albino rats was
studied. The chronic administration of olive oil (7.5
mg/kg body wt.) caused a significant increase in
norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) , serotonin
(5-HT) and gamm-aminobutyric acid (GABA) con-
tent in different brain regions (Cerebellum, striatum,
cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, brain steam and hip-
pocampus) of male albino rats. The increase in NE, DA,
5-HT, and GABA content in the different CNS areas
of male albino rat may be due to the inhibition of
Ca2+/calmodulin binding which plays an important
role in the release of these neurotransmitters. The
results, also, revealed that urea and creatinne con-
centrations in rats with oral administration with olive
oil were decreased. Meanwhile, the activities of the
enzymes AsT, AlT and ALP were elevated. The pre-
sent results indicated that there is no change in tis-
sues of kidney after treated with virgin olive oil. Olive
oil may potentially be safe for use as a sedative drug.
improvement also led to the reductions in risk of
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Keywords: Olive Oil; NE, DA, 5-HT; GABA; Brain Re-
gions; Histological Structure of Liver and Kidney; Male
Albino Rats;
1. INTRODUCTION
Olive (Olea europaea L.) oil is a fundamental component
of the Mediterranean diet (Serra-Majem et al., 2003). In
the last few decades there has been a significant increase
in the global consumption of olive oil, even in countries
where it is not produced, such as the Canada and Japan
[1]. This is due in large part to its nutritional and health-
promoting effects [2], which have been related to the op-
timal balance between saturated, monounsaturated (MUFA),
and polyunsaturated fattyacids (PUFA), as well as tomi-
nor components such as chlorophyll, polyphenols and to-
copherols [3].
Vegetable oils have been historically present in many
food stuffs and health care products. it play a leading role in
human nutrition, and a source of many essential nutria-
ents. Vegetable oil is generally obtained from the seeds
of plants like soy, sunflower, rape, palm, peanut, corn, etc.
Nevertheless, the importance of olive oil, obtained from
a drupe fruit, is increasing due to the biological proper-
ties of several of its components that preserve health and
prevent many degenerative illnesses [4]. Effectively, olive
oil has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system,
lowering the plasma levels of cholesterol and polyun-
saturated fatty acids, and decreasing in the same time the
risk for low-density-lipoprotein oxidation, which leads
to a healthy lipoprotein profile [5]. Furthermore, olive
oil diets help in controlling blood pressure, glucose and
lipids levels in diabetic patients [6] as well as in impro-
ving the immune function by attenuating the inflamma-
tory process [7]. Rojas-Molina et al., [8] and Awney, [9]
were tested some vegetable oils in the Drosophila wing-
spot test and found that extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
was clearly not genotoxic, while soy oil showed a clear
genotoxic activity.
Many studies have been conducted to prove its potential
through oil, whole fruit and leaf extract as cardiovascular
disorders and anti-oxidant, gastroprotective effect, osteo-
protective effect, endocrine effect, immunomodulatory

A. E. Bawazir / World Journal of Neuroscience 1 (2011) 31-37 32
effect, anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-microbial effects and
cancers of the breast, skin, and colon [10-12].
Before 1400 years ago the Prophet of Islam, Muham-
mad (SAW), use of oil is found in many religions and
cultures. It has been used during special ceremonies and
also as a general health measure. It is also known as the
symbol for peace, wisdom and victory [13].
Since olive oil is a wild oil commonly available in Saudi
Arabia and especially in the Mediterranean and its leaves
are used in folk medicine for treatment, it is therefore
deemed interesting to examine the effect of chronic ad-
ministration of olive oil on norepinephrine (NE), dopa-
mine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and gamm-aminobutyric acid
(GABA) contents in different brain regions and histo-
logical structure of liver and kidney of male albino rats.
2. MATERIALS AND METHOD
2.1. Animals
The experimental animals used in this study were male
albino rats, Rattus rattus (90 g - 100 g ). They were sup-
plied with food and water ad libitum under standard con-
ditions of light, humidity and temperature (22˚C - 25˚C).
2.2. Olive Oil
It is an oil obtained from the olive (O lea europaea; fam-
ily Oleaceae), a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean
Basin. It is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, phar-
maceuticals, and soaps and as a fuel for traditional oil
lamps.
2.3. Method
2.3.1. The Effect of Oli ve Oi l on Different Brain
Regions of Male Albino Rats
The animals were randomly divided into 2 groups. The
1st group (n = 6) was treated with saline vehicle and killed
at the beginning of the experiment and served as a control.
The 2nd group (n = 24) was normal rats orally administered
with olive oil (7.5 ml/kg) through gastric tube for 4 week,
[14]. The rat was killed by sudden decapitation at the
designed times. The brain was rapidly and carefully ex-
cised and then dissected on dry ice glass plate according
to the method of Glowinski and Iversen [15] into the
following regions: cerebellum, striatum, cerebral cortex,
hypothalamus, brain steam and hippocampus. The brain
tissues were wiped dry with a filter paper, weighed, wrap-
ped in plastic films and then in aluminum foil and qui-
ckly frozen in dry ice pending analysis.
NE, DA and 5-HT were extracted and estimated ac-
cording to the method of Chang [16] modified by Ciar-
lone [17]. GABA was estimated according to the method
of Sutton and Simmodes [18]. The fluorescence was mea-
sured in Jenway 6200 fluorometer.
2.3.2. The effect of oli ve oi l on liver and k i d ney
function of male albino rats
Blood Sampling: The portion of blood samples were col-
lected and allowed to coagulate at room temperature;
EDTA (ethylene diamine tetracetic acid) was added to
the other portion of blood and centrifuged at 3000 r.p.m.
for 30 minutes. The clear, non-haemolysed supernatant
sera and plasma were quickly removed divided into four
portions for each animal, and stored at –20˚C for subse-
quent analysis. For the measurement of AST, ALT and
Alkaline phosphatase in liver and, Urea and creatinine in
kinday [19].
2.3.3. The E ffect of Olive Oil on Histol ogical St ructur es
of Liver and Kinday of Male Albin o Ra ts
After sacrifice of animals, part of the liver and kidany
tissues from each animal from treated and control was
removed and immersed in 10% buffered formalin solu-
tion. Each part of liver and kidney tissues were kept in
separate numbered small glass bottles and then embed-
ded in paraffin, and sectioned. Four sections (5 microns
in thickness) were taken from each liver and kinday tis-
sues, each section being at a distance of at least 500 u
from the proceeding one sections were stained with
haematoxylin and eosin [20].
2.3.4. Statistical Anal ysis
The data are presented as mean + S.E. Statistical analy-
ses between control and treated animals were performed
using paired student ‘t’ [21].
3. RESULTS
As shown Tab le 1 the daily oral administration of olive
oil (7.5 mg/kg b.wt.) caused a significant increase in
dopamine content starting from the third and fourth
week in cerebellum, striatum, cerebral cortex, hypo-
thalamus, brain stem and hippocampus. The maximal
increase (p < 0.001) in dopamine content was found in
the cerebral cortex after 3 weeks (+103.68%).
The results obtained from Table 2 showed that the daily
oral administration of olive oil caused no significant in
nor epinephrine content in all of tested areas after 1, 2, 3
and 4 week. Also, Table 3 showed that the daily oral ad-
ministration of olive oil (7.5 mg /kg b.wt.) caused a sig-
nificant increase in gamm-aminobutyric acid content start-
ing from the third and four week in cerebellum, striatum,
cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, brain stem and hippocam-
pus. The maximal increase in gamm-aminobutyric acid
content was found in the cerebral cortex after 4 weeks
(+117.17%), while the daily oral administration of olive
oil caused a significant(p < 0.001) increase in serotonin
content starting from two week in brain stem and from
the third and four week in all brain area till the end of the
experiment. The maximal increase (p < 0.001) in serotonin

A. E. Bawazir / World Journal of Neuroscience 1 (2011) 31-37 33
Ta bl e 1 . Effect of chronic oral administration of extra Virgin olive oil (7.5 mg/kg b.wt.) on dopamine (DA) content in the different
brain areas of male albino rat.
Time of
decapitation
Cerebellum
mean ± S.E.
Striatum
mean ± S.E.
Cerebral cortex
mean ± S.E.
Hypothalamus
mean ± S.E.
Brain stem
mean ± S.E.
Hippocampus
mean ± S.E.
C 146 ± 0.082 473.9 ± 0 60.488 ± 0.05 754 ± 2.1 452.29 ± 0.63 243.14 ± 086
T 145.6 ± 054 476.25 ± 1.27 60.58 ± 0.74 726.24 ± 3.55 453.98 ± 1.85 241.42 ± 0.66 1 week
% –0.77 0.49 0.15 –1.09 0.60 –0.71
C 145.65 ± 0.91 485.99 ± 0.83 61.24 ± 0.21 739.24 ± 04.31 451.54 ± 1.95 244.60 ± 1.45
T 158 ± 0.73 506.17 ± 1.40 64 ± 0.26 753.83 ± 0.79 463.83 ± 0.91 252.83 ± 0.95 2 week
% 8.48 3.94 4.51 1.97 2.72 3.37
C 146.97 ± 094 474.12 ± 091 734.057 ± 2.26 451.61 ± 059 451.61 ± 059 242.97 ± 084
T 203.16 ± 095 552.5 ± 076 123.67 ± 080 820.17 ± 01.22 497.67 ± 1.25 269.83 ± 0.17 3 week
% 38.23 16.53 103.68 11.73 10.20 11.06
C 146.1 ± 1.16 482.78 ± 3.19 62.32 ± 0.95 738.21 ± 4.44 451.63 ± 64 244.64 ± 1.54
T 223 ± 0.86 598.5 ± 0.34 126.17 ± 0.31 820.17 ± 1.22 498.5 ± 1.17 272.5 ± 1.12 4 week
% 52.64 23.97 102.42 11.10 10.38 11.27
Statistical analyses were performed between control (C = 6) and treated (T = 6) animals by using paired t’ test %: Percentage of change from control. *: Signifi-
cant at p < 0.05.
Table 2.Effect of chronic oral administration of extra Virgin olive oil (7.5 mg/kg b.wt.) on norepinephrine (NE) content in the differ-
ent brain areas of male albino rat.
Time of
decapitation
Cerebellum
mean ± S.E.
Striatum
mean ± S.E.
Cerebral cortex
mean ± S.E.
Hypothalamus
mean ± S.E.
Brain stem
mean ± S.E.
Hippocampus
mean ± S.E.
C 95.382 ± 0.85 511.47 ± 1.8 56.44 ± 0.22 596.99 ± 3.24 390.49 ± 0.48 292.54 ± 1.54
T 96.26 ± 0.79 513.78 ± 1.08 56.59 ± 0.73 604.8 ± 1.59 386.40 ± 1.86 292.8 ± 0.64
1 week
% 0.92 0.45 0.26 1.31 –1.03 0.090
C 95.36 ± 0.86 511.11 ± 1.65 54.44 ± 1.9 605.33 ± 9.5 390.5 ± 0.48 292.53 ± 1.53
T 94.1 ± 0.78 511.98 ± 1.21 55.17 ± 0.31 594.93 ± 1.15 385.67 ± 1.87 296.57 ± 1.42 2 week
% –1.35 0.17 1.35 –1.72 –1.24 1.38
C 98.59 ± 0.27 495.65 ± 1.44 55.49 ± 0.11 604.91 ± 2.33 394.49 ± 0.94 283.18 ± 0,82
T 100.33 ± 1.23 496.56 ± 0.93 55.71 ± 0.48 606.20 ± 2.14 394.54 ± 0.89 283.93 ± 0.83 3 week
% 1.67 0.18 0.39 0.21 0.01 0.26
C 98.49 ± 0.27 495.78 ± 1.4 55.53 ± 0.13 604.62 ± 2.26 394.62 ± 0.94 282.98 ± 084
T 97.02 ± 0.7 496.2 ± 0.94. 56. ± 0.96 605.96 ± 2.10 394.86 ± 1.25 283.66 ± 1.10 4 week
% –1.49 0.08 0.86 0.22 0.060 0.23
Statistical analyses were performed between control (C = 6) and treated (T = 6) animals by using paired t' test %: Percentage of change from control. *: Signifi-
cant at p < 0.05.
Table 3. Effect of chronic oral administration of extra Virgin olive oil (7.5 mg/kg b.wt.) on gamm-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in the
different brain areas of male albino rat.
Time of
decapitation
Cerebellum
mean ± S.E.
Striatum
mean ± S.E.
Cerebral corte
mean ± S.E.
Hypothalamus
mean ± S.E.
Brain stem
mean ± S.E.
Hippocampus
mean ± S.E.
C 192.46 ± 0.79171.65 ± 0.45 57.25 ± 0.38 432.83 ± 0.32118.2 ± 16 214.79 ± 1.32
T 192.35 ± 1..02 171.69 ± 1.02 57.92 ± 0.15 431.39 ± 2.51116.81 ± 0.96215.27 ± 0.94 1 week
% –0.06 0.02 1.17 –0.33 –1.14 0.22
C 192.54 ± 0.76 171.66 ± 0.44 57.37 ± .46 432.93 ± 0.37117.87 ± 0.24214.93 ± 1.27
T 194 ± 0.68 176.17 ± 0.40 60.5 ± 0.34 435.67 ± 0.63124 ± 0.63 213 ± 0.45 2 week
% 0.76 2.62 5.45 0.63 5.20 -0.90
C 193.61 ± 0.78 175.42 ± 1.78 57.96 ± 0.68 437.97 ± 1.1118.44 ± .23 216.87 ± 0.87
T 221 ± 0.58 200 ± 0.73 83.5 ± 0.76 483 ± 0.73 134 ± 0.73 242.83 ± 0.7 3 week
% 14.15* 14.01* 44.34* 10.28* 13.70* 11.97*
C 192.65 ± 0.42 171.74 ± 1.62 57.71 ± 0.93 437.84 ± 0.19118.12 ± 1.39215.23 ± 1.1
T 221.33 ± 0.420 200 ± 0.73 125.33 ± 0.21 482.83.79 ± .790144.67 ± 0.420242.66 ± 0.67 4 week
% 14.89* 16.45* 117.17* 10.27* 22.48* 12.75*
Statistical analyses were performed between control (C = 6) and treated (T = 6) animals by using paired t' test %: Percentage of change from control. *: Signifi-
cant at p < 0.05.

A. E. Bawazir / World Journal of Neuroscience 1 (2011) 31-37 34
content was found in the cerebral cortex after 4 weeks
(+114.45%) (Table 4).
The present results(Table 5) indicated that there are
significant (P < 0.001) elevations in the level of aspartate
aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase in serum
of male albino rat treated with olive oil for 4 weeks. This
increase was 99.17% and 557.98%, respectively when
compared with control. Also, there are significant (P <
0.05) elevations in the level of alanine aminotransferase
(ALT) in serum of male albino rat also was noticed.
Urea content in serum of male albino rat treated with
olive oil. (Tabl e 5) was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced
than in untreated control rat with percentage reduction-
56.34% while creatinine were not significantly changed
in treated rate.
The present results showed that (Figure 1) histologycally,
Photos sectors in the normal control liver of male albino
rat show Casement region of the liver that contains the
channel bile (BD) and portal vein (PV) also notes the
regularity of bars hepatic cells (HC) on the central vein
(CV) and the liver cell contains the central nuclei which
contains one or two nucleolus and note pockets vessels (S)
which contain cells Kpfer (KC). An enlarged image (Fig-
ure 4 ) of the Figure 3 in the normal liver of male albino rat
shows hepatic cells (HC) which contained large spherical
and central nuclei, there is most chromatin basal dyes on
the inner edge of the membrane of nucleus and some liver
nuclei contain one or two nucleus pigmentation strongly
dyes basal and also notes that decomposition cytoplasm
vacuole for some liver cells. The epithelial cells lining
the blood vessels and internal Kpfer cells (KC).
Picture of the sector (Figure 4) in the liver treated with
virgin olive oil show that Liver tissue retains the natural
composition of the bars in terms of regularity of liver
cells (HC) plates are stacked separated by pockets of
blood (S). Picture of the sector (Figure 4) in the liver
treated with virgin olive oil describes the natural shape
of the central vein (CV) and regular bars of liver cells
(HC) around him, as they appear Kpfer cells (KC) fusi-
form natural form..Picture of the sector (Figure 4) in the
liver treated with virgin olive oil describes the emergence
of good composition of Casement region of the liver and
bile ducts regularly (BD) with a slight infiltration of fluid
blood in the portal vein (PV).
The present results showed that (Figure 1) histologically,
picture of the sector in the kidney cortex control sample
shows the renal glomerulus (GL) and the void urine (US)
and intertubular urinary (RT) and Figure 2 shows picture
of the sector in the kidney cortex control sample show
intertubular wrapped nearby (PT) and the edge Alfara-
Table 4. Effect of chronic oral administration oral of Extra Virgin olive oil (7.5 mg/kg b.wt.) on serotonin (5-HT) Content in the dif-
ferent brain areas of male albino rat.
Time of
decapitation
Cerebellum
mean ± S.E.
Striatu
mean ± S.E.
Cerebral cortex
mean ± S.E.
Hypothalamus
mean ± S.E.
Brain stem
mean ± S.E.
Hippocampus
mean ± S.E.
C 192.46 ± 0.79 171.65 ± 0.45 57.25 ± 0.39 432.03 ± 0.32 118.16 ± 0.20 214.79 ± 1.32
T 192. ± 0.68 172.83 ± 0.87 59.83 ± 0.54 437.3 ± 0.54 123.5 ± 0.84 219.56 ± 04.52
1 week
% 0.18 0.96 4.52* 1.03 4.52 2.23
C 191.03 ± 035 170.32 ± 0.32 56.59 ± 1.1 433.1 ± 1.29 118.2 ± 0.22 213.65 ± 0.44
T 191.67 ± 0.42 171.83 ± 0.60 58.17 ± 0.40 436.83 ± 0.48 132.83 ± 0.95 224.83 ± 0.30 2 week
% 0.33 0.89 2.78 0.88 12.45 5.23
C 191.92 ± 0.48 173.1 ± 1.48 57.60 ± 0.25 433.1 ± 0.4 117.98 ± 0.61 214.98 ± 0.89
T 212.83 ± 0.83 219.83 ± 1.19 115.83 ± 0.21 481.67 ± 1.01 131.67 ± 0.66 242.17 ± 0.75 3 week
% 10.87 27 100.22 11.24 11.6 12.66
C 192.86 ± 0.29 173.1 ± 1.48 58.1 ± 0.38 431.43 ± 1.36 117.87 ± 0.26 217.16 ± 0.61
T 218 ± 0.93 221.16 ± 0.79 124.5 ± 0.22 483.83 ± 0.83 155.5 ± 0.34 248.67 ± 0.42 4 week
% 13.1 27.77 114.45 12.15 31.93 14.51
Statistical analyses were performed between control (C = 6) and treated (T = 6) animals by using paired t’ test %: Percentage of change from control. *: Signifi-
cant at p < 0.05.
Table5. Effect of chronic oral administration of Extra Virgin olive oil (7.5 mg/kg b.wt.) on Liver and kidny function of male albino rat.
AST(U/L)
mean ± S.E.
ALT(U/L)
mean ± S.E.
Alkaline phosphatase(U/I)
mean ± S.E.
Urea (mg/dI)
mean ± S.E.
Creatinine (mg/dI)
mean ± S.E.
C 99.83 ± 0.543 78.33 ± 0.667 60.49 ± 0.044 97.33 ± 0.49 0.417 ± 0.031
T 199.50 ± 0.428 97.17 ± 1.424 400 ± 0.258 42.67 ± 0.33 0.450 ± 0.076
2week
% 99.83*** 24.04* 561.28*** -56.16** 8.0
C 99.833 ± 0.543 78.33 ± 0.67 60.49 ± 0.044 97.33 ± 0.49 0.417 ± 0.031
T 198.833 ± 0.307 97.17 ± 1.424 398 ± 1.61 42.5 ± 0.438 0.383 ± 0.031
4 week
% 99.17*** 24.04* 557.98*** -56.34** -8.0
Statistical analyses were performed between control (C = 6) and treated (T = 6) animals by using paired t’test. %: Percentage of change from control.*: Significant
at p < 0.05*, **p < 0.01,*** p < 0.001.

A. E. Bawazir / World Journal of Neuroscience 1 (2011) 31-37 35
Figure 1. (a), (b) and (c) Photos sectors in the normal con-
trol liver of male albino rat: BD = channel bile , PV = por-
tal vein, HC = hepatic cells, CV = central vein, S = pockets
vessels and KC = Kpfer cells (haematoxylin and eosin, 100x
(1) and 400x (2&3). (d) an enlarged image of the plate (3) in
the normal liver of male albino rat (haematoxylin and eo-
sin, 1000x )
Figure 2. (a) Picture of the sector in the liver treated with
virgin olive oil show that Liver tissue retains the natural
composition of the bars in terms of regularity of liver cells
(HC) plates are stacked separated by pockets of blood (S);
(b) Picture of the sector in the liver treated with virgin
olive oil describes the natural shape of the central vein (CV)
and regular bars of liver cells (HC) around him, as they
appear Kpfer cells (KC) fusiform natural form. Hemato-
xylin dye and Eocene (400x); (c) Picture of the sector in the
liver treated with virgin olive oil describes the emergence
of good composition of Casement region of the liverand
bile ducts regularly (BD) with a slight infiltration of fluid
blood in the portal vein (PV) haematoxylin and eosin,
(400x).
Figure 3. (a) Picture of the sector in the kidney cortex con-
trol sample shows the renal glomerulus (GL) and the void
urine (US) and intertubular urinary (RT), haematoxylin
and eosin, (400x); (b) Picture of the sector in the kidney
cortex control sample shows intertubular wrapped nearby
(PT) and the edge Alfaragonip (BB) (shares) and inter-
tubular wrapped remote (DT) also notes lymphocytes (Ly)
and fibrous tissue interface, haematoxylin and eosin,
(400x).
Figure 4. (a), (b) and (c) Piture of the sector in the cortex
kidney sample treatment of virgin olive oil describes the
emergence of glomeruli urinary (GL) almost naturally as
well as a nominated greasy (FI) in most intertubular uri-
nary and simple analyze cytoplasm (CL) with Preserve
renal tissue composition of natural, haematoxylin and eosin,
(3 = 200x, 4 = 400x & 5 = 600x).
gonip (BB) (shares) and intertubular wrapped remote (DT)
also notes lymphocytes (Ly) and fibrous tissue interface.
The present results indicated that there is no change in
tissues of kidney after treated with virgin olive oil, Figure
3, show that retention of most of the glomeruli and in-
tertubular urinary semi-natural composition, which was
described in the control group and did not appear as
congestion or stagnation of blood in the tissue interface
or expansion of blood vessels (low power). Figure 4
shows that the glomeruli and intertubular urinary form of
semi-natural, and bleeding disappeared in the glomeruli
and intertubular on urinary (high power).
The Figure 4 shows that intertubular urinary character-
ized by the nuclei content of the chromatic sems andi-
natural. There were edges of the cavity coherent and sys-
tematic and did not notice any depositions in the cavity
of seminifrous intertubular coiled remote with the return
of content cytoplasim of the cell and the rule chromatic
content active.
4
4. . D DI IS SC CU US SS SI IO ON N
The present results showed that oral administration of
olive oil caused no significant changes in NE content in
all of tested areas after 1, 2, 3 and 4 week. While, it caused
a significant increase in dopamine (DA), gamm-amino-
butyric acid (GABA) and serotonin (5-HT) content in
different brain areas (Cerebellum, striatum, cerebral cor-
tex, hypothalamus, brain steam and hippocampus) of male
albino rats. The increase in NE, DA, 5-HT, and GABA con-
tent in the different CNS areas of albino rat may be due
to the inhibition of Ca2+/calmodulin binding which plays an
important role in the release of neurotransmitters.
The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to its
high content of antioxidative substances, as well as its
high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, i.e., oleic acid
[22]. oleic acid and linoleic acid (Olive oil) induced in-
creases in free intracellular calcium concentrations Ca2+
by recruiting calcium from endoplasmic reticulum pool
via inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate production followed by

A. E. Bawazir / World Journal of Neuroscience 1 (2011) 31-37 36
calcium influx via opening of store-operated calcium chan-
nels. Oleic acid and linoleic acid also induced phospho-
rylation of Src-protein-tyrosine kinases, particularly of
Fyn59 and Yes62. linoleic acid -evoked phosphorylation of
Fyn59 and Yes62 was implicated in the activation of SOC
channels. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed
that the CD36-positive gustatory cells possessed mRNA
of enzymes like tryptophan hydroxylase-1, L-aromatic
amino acid decarboxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase, and do-
pamine β-hydroxylase, involved in the synthesis of mono-
ami ne neurotransmitters. Interestingly, the addition of li-
noleic acid to these cells induced the release of 5-hydro-
xytryptamine and noradrenalin (norepinephrine, nepine-
phrine) to the extracellular environment.
The linoleic acid induced release of these neurotrans-
mitters was curtailed by SOC channel blockers and Src-
PTK inhibitors. These results altogether demonstrate that
LA binds to mouse CD36-positive gustatory cells,
It is clear from the literature that DHA is involved in a
variety of processes in neural cells and that its role is far
more complex than simply influencing cell membrane pro-
perties [26]. Unsaturated fatty acids are important consti-
tuents of neuronal cell membranes and have neuropro-
tective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties [27].
Previous studies had verified their effects on regulat-
ing cholesterol levels and hypertension, two risk factors
commonly associated with heart disease and Alzheimer’s
disease.the Polyphenols could prevent damage caused by
oxidation or neural death in cell cultures [28].
These results demonstrate that diet contain olive oil is
capable of inducing the generation of new cells in the adult
brain, and of strengthening the neural networks which
become affected with age and in neurogenerative proc-
esses such as Alzheimer's disease, as well as protecting
neurons from oxidative and neural damage, two pheno-
mena which occur at the origin of many diseases affect-
ing the central nervous system [29]. A study from Ger-
many supports that suspicion, and offers hope that diets
high in extra virgin olive oil may help reduce brain da-
mage under the effect of free radicals [30].
The aminotransaminases [aspartate aminotransferase
(AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] represent an
important link between carbohydrate and amino acid me-
tabolic pathways [19]. Also, these enzymes are consid-
ered good sensitive tools for detection of any variations
in the physiological process of living organisms [31,32].
The concentration of these enzymes (AST&ALT) in liver
of treated rats were significantly increased than that in
control rat. The elevation in the activities of these en-
zymes could be due to a variety of conditions including
muscle damage, intestinal and hepatic injury and toxic
hepatitis [33]. As well, the increase in serum alkaline
phosphatase (ALP) activity in patients could be attrib-
uted to hepatocytes injury and interruptions in their na-
tural activities [33]. Urea content in serum of male al-
bino rat treated with olive oil was depleted reduced than
in untreated rat while creatinine was not significantly
changed in treated rate.
Elevated liver enzymes are the cause of the destruct-
tion of cells and the occurrence of damage to tissue where
attributed scientists Tdmillo liver tissue as a result of
increased free radicals and LPO and high enzymes GOT,
GPT destruction Bernchimip liver and the accumulation
of triglycerides and release enzymes into the bloodstream,
which have a clear indication of the emergence of necro-
sis cell of liver tissue Where scientists attributed the de-
struction of liver tissue as a result of increased free radicals
and LPO and high enzymes GOT, GPT and the accumu-
lation of triglycerides and release enzymes into the blood-
stream, which have a clear indication of the emergence
of cellular necrosis of the liver tissue [34].
5. CONCLUSIONS
Olive oil may potentially be safe for use as a sedative
drug improved the central nervous system also led to the
reductions in risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s dis-
eases. The olive oil could be used as a protector against
Alzheimer’s and Albarkson a result of the different char-
acteristics.
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