Light Microscopic Features of the Prefrontal Cortices of Adult Male Albino Rats Treated with Balanites aegyptiaca Fruit Extract Following Monosodium Glutamate-induced Neurotoxicity
Keywords:
Balanites aegyptiaca, Monosodium glutamate-induced neurotoxicity, Neurotoxicity, Excitoxicity, Prefrontal cortex, Pyramidal neuron, Balanites aegyptiaca fruit extract, NeurofilamentsAbstract
Background: Excess monosodium glutamate (MSG) induces excitatory neurotoxicity. Neurological and mental illnesses share this mechanism. Balanites aegyptiaca extract has neuroprotective antioxidants. It treats anxiety, mood disorders, and memory loss. Histological evidence for its usage in such situations is scarce. Methodology: Twenty three adult male albino rats were divided into five study groups: a normal saline-only group; an MSG-treated group, which received 4 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of MSG and normal saline by oral gavage (p.o.); a low-dose Balanites aegyptiaca (B.A) group (MSG i.p. and 125mg/kg/day B.A), a moderate-dose B.A group, and a high-dose B.A group. We extracted, processed, and stained prefrontal cortices using toluidine blue. Photomicrographs were analysed. Behaviour was assessed using the Y-maze. Results: Prefrontal cortices showed morphological abnormalities in pyramidal neurones of MSG-treated rats compared to other study groups. The low-dose and moderate-dose B.A groups had disruptions, but the latter improved. The high-dose B.A group had few morphological changes. In the Y-maze behavioural test, study groups had similar alternation rates. Conclusion: The administration of monosodium glutamate disrupts the morphology of prefrontal cortical cells. Treatment with Balanites aegyptiaca fruit extract improves their morphology. This provides an additional histological basis for its use in traditional medicine as a remedy for cognitive disorders.
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