Abstract

THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF FOLIC ACID ON ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE-INDUCED DAMAGE IN PREFRONTAL CORTEX OF ADULT MICE

Adeshina Oloruntoba Adekeye* and Yinka Gbadebo

ABSTRACT

Evidences suggest that long-term aluminium exposure results in severe toxic effects associated with various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study was performed to investigate the neuroprotective potential of folic acid against aluminium chloride (AlCl3)-induced neurotoxicity in mice. AlCl3 (100 mg/kg/day) was administered daily through oral gavage for 30 days. Concomitantly, folic acid (10 mg/kg/day, orally) was administered for 30 days in different groups. The histological, behavioral and biochemical effects of folic acid in the prefrontal cortex of adult mice treated with aluminium chloride were studied. It was shown that 4 weeks’ treatment with AlCl3 caused cognitive impairment as indicated by an increase in the retention latency time and reduction in the percentage of recognition index. The findings also showed some improved spatial memory function and significant reduction of catalase and brain total protein with folic acid. Histologically, evidence of neuronal loss with a characteristics nuclei materials fragmentation and vacuolation were observed in the AlCl3 -treated mice but the integrity of neurons were maintained with folic acid treated mice. Folic acid significantly have an ameliorating and restorative effect to prevent the degenerated nerve cells caused by AlCl3 intoxication with well-marked processes.

Keywords: Neurotoxicity, Aluminium Chloride, Prefrontal Cortex, Behavioural test, Catalase.