Manganese dichloride tetrahydrate, ascorbic acid, cerebellum
">International Research Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Assessment of neuroprotective effect of ascorbic acid against manganese dichloride induced cerebellar damage in female Wistar rats
Manganese is an essential trace element that can elicit a variety of toxic responses upon prolonged exposure to elevated concentrations. The present study investigated the protective effects of ascorbic acid against cerebellar damage by manganese dichloride tetrahydrate in female Wistar rats. Thirty female Wistar rats weighing between 133 – 268g were divided into six groups lettered A to F. Group A served as the control group administered volumes of distilled water equal to those in treated groups. The test groups B, C, D, E and F were administered respectively with: ascorbic acid at 100mg/kg; manganese dichloride tetrahydrate at 148.4mg/kg; Manganese dichloride tetrahydrate at 445.2mg/kg; manganese dichloride tetrahydrate at 148.4mg/kg and ascorbic acid at 100mg/kg; and manganese dichloride tetrahydrate at 445.2mg/kg and ascorbic acid at 100mg/kg. The administration was by oral gavage for 18 days. The rats were euthanised by chloroform inhalation on the 19th day. The brain of each rat was removed, weighed and processed for H&E. The group administered with only ascorbic acid showed significant increase in body weight change, whereas the groups administered with MnCl2.4H2O with or without ascorbic acid showed significant decrease in body weight. Organo-somatic index increased in the group administered with only ascorbic acid at 100mg/kg of body weight and significantly decreased in the group administered with low dose of MnCl2.4H2O at 148.4 mg/kg and ascorbic acid at 100 mg/kg. Histological results revealed increase in Purkinje cells in group treated with ascorbic acid at 100 mg/kg of body weight, whereas the groups administered with MnCl2.4H2O with or without ascorbic acid showed neurodegenerative changes. In conclusion, the administration of ascorbic acid did not completely reverse the effects of MnCl2.4H2O as revealed in body weight and neurodegenerative changes in the cerebellum.
Keywords:
Manganese dichloride tetrahydrate, ascorbic acid, cerebellum