Introduction
Lead is considered as one of the most dangerous causes of environmental pollution
that poses a great danger to the health of people. The central nervous system,
especially the areas undergoing postnatal development such as the hippocampus, is
considered the most susceptible region to the hazards of lead.
Aim of the study
The present study was carried out to determine the effects of subclinical lead
exposure on the hippocampus of albino rats and the ameliorating effect of antox on
the affected group.
Materials and methods
Thirty-two male albino rats were divided into four groups (eight rats each). The
first (control) group received distilled water orally, the second group received antox
10 mg/kg/day orally, the third group received 0.5% lead acetate in distilled water, and
the fourth group received both antox and lead acetate at the same dose and through
the same route for 2 months. Brain sections were prepared for histological (H&E),
immunohistochemical (for detection of anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein), and electron
microscopic studies. Blood samples were examined for estimation of superoxide
dismutase, catalase, and serum malondialdehyde.
Results
The pyramidal cell layer in the hippocampus of the lead-treated group decreased
significantly in number with the appearance of some degenerated cells. Numerous
dilated blood capillaries were detected in the lead-treated group. There was a
significant increase (P < 0.001) in the intensity of staining of astrocytes with glial
fibrillary acidic protein in the lead-treated group. On electron microscopic study,
there were degenerated nerve cells and fibers with a deformed myelin sheath.
Oligodendrocytes showed an irregular dark nucleus and clumped chromatin. Antox
ameliorated the toxic effects of lead for all histological results. Biochemical studies
revealed a significant decrease in both superoxide dismutase and catalase, whereas
malondialdehyde showed a significant increase in the lead-treated group and
improved with the combination of antox and lead.
Conclusion
The present study showed a considerable ameliorating effect of antox on the
structure of the hippocampus subjected to subclinical lead exposure.
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