Zeolite (Natural Clinoptilolite) Research
The effect of natural clinoptilolite on the serotonergic receptors in the brain of mice with mammary carcinoma
The ex vivo effect of tribomechanically micronized zeolite (MZ) on the binding of 3H-8-OH-DPAT to 5-HT1A and 3 H-5-HT to 5-HT1B receptors was investigated in the brain of nontumorous (control) and mammary carcinoma bearing female mice. During 14 and 28 days mice were fed with standard food, standard food supplemented with 25% of MZ, or standard food supplemented with 25% of non tribomechanically micronized zeolite (non-MZ). A reduced binding of 3H-8-OH-DPAT to 5-HT1A receptors in mammary carcinoma bearing mice was found when compared to control mice fed with standard food for 28 days, suggesting a time dependent alteration of 5-HT1A receptors in mammary carcinoma. The addition of MZ for 28 days in these mice abolished the decrease in 5-HT1A receptors binding, indicating a possible beneficial effect of MZ, at least on 5-HT1A receptors in mammary carcinoma bearing mice. The preliminary data show that MZ administered as a food supplement (25%) for 14 days induced a transient decrease in the binding of 3H-5-HT to brain 5-HT1B receptors only in control, but not in tumor-bearing mice, that disappeared after 28 days of MZ-supplemented food administration. The mechanism of the indirect action of MZ on the brain serotonergic receptors might be achieved by the alterations in the electrolytes balance, and/or by the regulation of the immune system.
Keywords: Tribomechanically micronised zeolite; Mammary carcinoma; 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors; Mouse brain
Click here to view the full study at in Life Sciences 73 (2003) 2059 – 2069.
