Aim: In this study, neurotoxic effects of formaldehyde on prefrontal cortex and protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids against these toxic effects were investigated at biochemical level.

Material and method: For this purpose, 21 adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Rats in group I were used as control. Rats in group II were injected every other day with formaldehyde. Rats in group III daily received omega-3 fatty acids with injection of formaldehyde. At the end of 14-days experimental period, all rats were killed by decapitation. Then the brains of rats were removed. The activites of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in the prefrontal cortex specimens by using spectrophotometric methods.

Results: In our study, levels of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly decreased, and MDA levels were significantly increased in rats treated with formaldehyde compaared to control. Wherease, it was seen that there was an increase in SOD and GSH-Px enzyme activities, and decrease in MDA levels in rats administered to omega-3 fatty acids with exposure of formaldehyde.

Conclusion: It was determined that exposure of formaldehyde caused oxidative damage in prefrontal cortex of rats and this damage was prevented by administration of omega-3 fatty acids.