Noise-induced changes in free radical scavenging enzymes in the blood and brain of albino rats

We have investigated the role of free radicals in mediating harmful effects of noise, which is considered to be a stressor. We assessed the effects of exposure to white noise (100 dB) for 30 and 60 min on the activities of fr ee radical scavenging enzymes in the blood and brain of albino rats. White noise exposure increased the level of lipid peroxidation in both brain and blood. Other blood parameters studied namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD), c atalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and levels of total re duced glutathione (GSH), declined significantly by 30 as well as 60 min. In the brain the SOD level and GPx activity increased significantly at 30 min . while the GSH level had fallen significantly at 60 min. These results ind icate that part of the harmful effects of noise stress could be due to the generation of free radicals. Med Sci Res 26:811-812. (C) 1998 Lippincott Wi lliams & Wilkins.