摘要：Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element contributing to various physiological processes like brain development, diverse metabolisms and proper function of antioxidative enzymes like Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) (Erikson et al., 2005). On the downside, overexposure to Mn can lead to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons inducing a Parkinson-like complaint called manganism. Extensive studies have been carried out to decipher transport routes into the brain and to detect cellular mechanisms of oxidative injury in the affected brain areas (Crossgrove et al., 2003, Yokel, 2009, Yokel and Crossgrove, 2004, Aschner et al., 2007). Nevertheless, the correlation between the active Mn-species and the occurring conceivable causes of oxidative injury has not been drawn so far. The aim of this study is therefore, to elucidate the predominant Mn-species in the exposed brain and link it to levels of glutamate or GABA, AchE activity, Fe(II)/(III) status and levels of other trace elements like Cu, Fe or Zn (Figure 1).
