Animal Models of Intoxication by Metal Elements: A Focus on Neurobehavioral Injuries.

Well-functioning of fundamental life processes and human body required metal elements especially essential elements like copper, zinc, magnesium, etc. However, other elements are very toxic for physiological functions including lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). Recently, cumulative investigations have interested in the role of metal elements in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders especially anxiety and depression. Models of intoxication have been established to evaluate the neurobehavioral effects of metal element exposure via acute and chronic intoxication by metals levels in rats. This method makes available a means to recognize the association between the element level in water, diet, or serum and psychiatric dysfunctions. It allows also to assess the neurobehavioral injuries of metals in animal models and may provide a new window to understand the role metals play in the development of mood and psychiatric disorders.the role metals play in the development of mood and psychiatric disorders.