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Microscopic assessments of the effect of phoenix dactylifera L. in a rat model of mercury-triggered cerebral M1 changes
Abel Nosereme Agbon1, Helen Ochuko Kwanashie2, Wilson Oliver Hamman3, Austin Oseloka Ibegbu4, Hamisu Sule3, Murtala Hamza Yahaya5, Rachael Henry3, Andrew Ekpenyong Ivang6
1 Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroanatomy and Neurosciences Research Unit, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
2 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
3 Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
4 Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria
5 Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, Nigeria
6 Department of Clinical Biology, Clinical Anatomy Unit, College of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Abel Nosereme Agbon
Neuroanatomy and Neurosciences Research Unit, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/atp.atp_3_21
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Context: Mercury is a widespread environmental and industrial pollutant that exerts toxic effects on vital organs. The cerebrum, composed of cortical areas such as the primary motor cortex (M1), is a vulnerable target of mercury toxicity within the central nervous system. Phoenix dactylifera is used in folk medicine to treat diverse disorders, such as loss of consciousness, memory disturbances, and nervous disorders. Aim: This study microscopically evaluated the neuroprotective effect of aqueous fruit pulp extract of P. dactylifera (AFPD) on mercury-triggered M1 changes in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into six groups (I–VI; n = 4). Group I was administered distilled water (2 ml/kg); Group II administered mercuric chloride (MCL, 5 mg/kg); Group III administered Vitamin C (100 mg/kg) + MCL (5 mg/kg); Groups IV, V, and VI were administered AFPD (250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg, respectively) followed by MCL (5 mg/kg). Neuroprotective property was evaluated by microscopic assessment of M1 region applying histological techniques and analysis of histometric features of M1 neurons. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA and paired sample t-test were used. Results: Microscopic examination of MCL-treated cerebral sections revealed M1 histoarchitectural distortion and neurodegenerative changes such as pyknosis, neuronal shrinkage, chromatolysis, loss of pyramidal neurites, and altered Nissl substance reactivity, relative to the control. Administration of AFPD remarkably ameliorated MCL-triggered M1 changes, especially at dose 500 mg/kg with neuroprotective property comparable to the reference drug, Vitamin C. Conclusion: AFPD is potentially efficacious in ameliorating mercury-triggered microscopic alterations in M1 region of Wistar rats. The neuroprotective property of AFPD could be attributed to antioxidant properties of constituent phytochemicals. |
