CEREBRUM

Carbon tetrachloride is a colorless, highly volatile liquid with a sweetish odor similar to chloroform used in refrigerants, propellants and industrial solvents. CCl4 is rapidly absorbed via oral, inhalation and dermal routes, distributing to the brain and other organs. It has been reported that CCl4 can metabolize to give out free radicals inducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation which can ultimately alter brain structure, and impair learning and memory, even at low doses. This study was aimed at invest gating the effect of CCl4 on the cerebrum of adult Wistar rats. Eighteen adult Wistar rats weighing 140 g to 150 g were used in this study. They were randomized into three (3) groups of six (6) rats each. Group A served as the control and received 1ml of di tilled water daily to compensate for stress of administration, whereas, rats in group B received 1.5mg/kg body weight of CCl4 and group C received 3mg/kg body weight of CCl4. All administration intraperitoneally lasted for a period of 28 days. The body weights of the rats were recorded daily. After the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the organ (cerebrum) weight was recorded. The parameters accessed include cerebral antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH), MDA concentration and the histology of the cerebrum using Haematoxylin and Eosin staining technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS/IBM statistical package version 20. Results obtained showed no significant change (p>0.05) in the initial body weight of rats across experimental groups. However, a significant decrease (p<0.05) in final body weight and weight change of rats in group B (1.5 mg/kg bw CCl4) and C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. No significant change (p>0.05) was observed in the cerebral weight of rats across experimental groups. However, a significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in relative cerebral weight of rats in group B (1.5 mg/kg bw CCl4) and C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. A significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in cerebral SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH activity of rats in group C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. A significant increase (p<0.05) was observed in MDA concentration of rats in group B (1.5 mg/kg bw CCl4) and C (3 mg/kg bw CCl4) when compared to control. Histological findings revealed normal archictecture of the cerebrum in group A, whereas cytoplasmic vacoulizaion were seen in the granular cells of rats in group B and C. In conclusion, findings from this study shows that CCl4 induced neurotoxic effect on the cerebrum via inducing oxidative stress and altering the architectural integrity of the cerebrum.

Ficus exasperata is a deciduous, dioecious medicinal plant of the Mulberry family, which is widely employed in traditional medicine due to its therapeutic and pharmacological properties. Despite its extensive medicinal application, there are very limited research on the effects of its ethanol leaf extract on the cerebrum. This study therefore, investigates the potential effects of the ethanol leaf extract on the structure and function of the cerebrum of adult Wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) adult Wistar rats, divided into: control, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose treatment groups. were treated with graded concentration of sand paper leaf extract (200mg, 400mg, 600mg, 800mg, 1000mg/kg body weight respectively), for a period of 30 days. Biochemical and histological analyses were then conducted to assess cerebral functions and structural changes. The result revealed administration of the ethanol leaf extract of Ficus exasperata, induced a dose-dependent increase in the body weight of Wistar rats, with higher doses producing a more significant effect. In addition, the extract exhibited minimal impact (p< 0.05) on cerebral oxidative stress markers e.g. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase GPX and Malondialdehyde (MDA). The extract also induced beneficial vasoactive changes including vasodilatation and increased blood circulation (active congestion), which decreased with increasing concentration of the sand paper leaf extract. The 200mg/kg body weight leaf extract had the most potent vasoactive effect, while the 1000mg/kg body weight extract had the least effect. However, the structural integrity of the neurons and neuroglia cells were sustained. Further studies are recommended to properly understand the mechanisms involved in its actions so as to ensure safe therapeutic use in humans.