Ouabain attenuates the oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharides in the cerebellum of rats

Abstract Our study aimed to analyze the effect of ouabain administration on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced changes in oxidative parameters, membrane lipid composition, and the activities of some important enzymes of the nervous system. The content of phospholipids, cholesterol, and gangliosides were analyzed in Wistar rats after intraperitoneal injection of ouabain (1.8 μg/kg), LPS (200 μg/kg), or saline. Oxidative parameters were also evaluated, including the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, the levels of glutathione and lipid peroxidation, as well as Na,K‐ATPase activity and the level of glutamate transporter EAAT4. Administration of LPS resulted in increased oxidative stress, as evidenced by an increase in lipid peroxidation levels, glutathione peroxidase activity, decreased catalase activity and reduced glutathione levels. All changes recorded were attenuated by pretreatment with ouabain. Administration of ouabain plus LPS enhanced the total ganglioside content and EAAT4 levels, but failed to alter the Na,K‐ATPase activity. Our data suggest a neuroprotective effect of ouabain against LPS‐induced oxidative stress by promoting membrane lipid remodeling and increasing the expression of glutamate transporter EAAT4. Our results emphasize that the observed oxidative stress is not correlated with Na,K‐ATPase, but with a possible ouabain‐mediated effect on cellular signaling. The relevance of our results extends beyond LPS‐induced changes in oxidative parameters, as nanomolar doses of ouabain might prove useful in neurodegenerative models. Further study of other cardenolides and related molecules, as well as the development of new molecules derived from ouabain, could also prove useful in the fight against the oxidative and/or general cell stress triggered by neuronal pathologies.