Evaluation of the Effects of Galinsoga parviflora (Cav) Aqueous Leaf Extract on the Cerebellum During Mercury Exposure in Adult Male Mice
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Date
2021-10
Authors
John Ayuba Tabakwot
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Publisher
Kampala International University
Abstract
Background: The cerebellum forms a major part of the brain and its function is to control all muscular movements and coordination. Injury or damage to the cells of the cerebellum may lead to conditions like; ataxia, Joubert syndrome, and many others. These injuries may be a result of traumatic brain injuries or toxic agents such as mercury, tin, and aluminum. For example, mercury exposure has been reported to be part of our daily lives, therefore it is important to understand the pathological implication that might follow these exposures and also with the help of a local herb; Galinsoga parviflora (GP) to find a cheap and readily available management solution to mercury toxicity in the cerebellum.
Objective: This study was designed to demonstrate the effects of Galinsoga parviflora (Cav) aqueous leaf extract on mercury-induced cerebellar damage in adult male mice.
Method: Twenty-five adult male mice of an average weight of 25g were randomly divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each (n=5). The animals in Groups 1-5 received oral administration of distilled water, 2.3mg/kg body weight of HgCl2, 2.3 mg/kg HgCl2 followed by GP extract (800mg/kg), GP extract (800mg/kg) followed by 2.3 mg/kg HgCl2 and GP extract (800mg/kg) followed by 2.3 mg/kg HgCl2 concurrently respectively. These treatments were followed by behavioral tests, euthanization of the animals through perfusion fixation and tissue samples were harvested for histological, histochemical and biochemical analyses.
Results: There was evidence of pyknotic cells, degenerating myelin, region of linear distribution of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of group 2 animals. Also, these animals exhibited abnormal neuromuscular function and uncoordinated balance and posture. Furthermore, there was reduction in CAT (220.28±27.84) and SOD (43.25±13.28) concentration and increase in MDA (3.03±0.09) levels in the cerebellum of the mice. The animals in group 3 revealed reduced pyknotic cells, presence myelination in their cerebellum. Also, they showed neuromuscular function and coordinated balance and posture controls. Furthermore, there was significant increase in concentration of CAT (264.52±3.61) and SOD (50.0±4.08) and reduced in level of MDA in the cerebellum (2.96±0.20). Group 4 animals revealed evidence of less pyknotic cells, reduced linear distribution of Purkinje cells, evidence of myelination in the cerebellum. Also these animals exhibited neuromuscular functions and coordinated balance and posture controls. Furthermore, there was significant increase in concentration of CAT (299.25±13.49), reduction in concentration vii SOD (55.0±5.40) and increase in MDA (3.19±0.15) level in the cerebellum. Group 5 animals revealed evidence of relatively high normal pyramidal cell, shorter region of reduced linear distribution, normal axonal myelination of Purkinje fibers. Also the animals showed normal neuromuscular function, coordinated balance and posture, significant increase in concentration of CAT (275.4±16.04), SOD (76.75±2.36) and increase level of MDA(2.73±0.19) in the cerebellum.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the study revealed that mercury exposure in the cerebellum of mice caused pyknosis, reduced myelination in the axons, loss of neuromuscular function, loss of balance and coordination and reduced antioxidant activities. However, the introduction of Galinsoga parviflora in the cerebellum acted as a therapeutic agent against mercury toxicity in the cerebellum of adult male mice.
Description
A Research Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Masters of Science in Human Anatomy (M.Sc.) of Kampala International University