EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF TERMINALIA CATAPPA ON PREFRONTAL CORTEX OF ADULT WISTAR RATS FOLLOWING LEAD ACETATE EXPOSURE

*Ajibade A. J., Fakunle P. B. and Kareem Y. O.

ABSTRACT

The protective effect of Terminalia catappa which is used traditionally in the South Pacific, for fungal related conditions was investigated against lead acetate induced toxicity on the prefrontal cortex of adult male wistar rats. Thirty five adult male wistar rats were divided into five groups (each containing seven rats). Daily doses of lead acetate was administered to the Lead-treated groups. Group A(control) received distilled water; Group B received Lead acetate150mg/kg only; Group C received aqueous leaves extract of Terminalia catappa 100mg/kg only; Group D&E received Lead acetate 150mg/kg followed by aqueous leaves extract of Terminalia catappa 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg respectively. Results showed significant increase in the final body weights of rats in group B, C, D & E. Microscopic examination of the prefrontal cortex tissue of the rats in group B showed pathological changes in the pyramidal neurons while rats in group C showed normal histological features in apical and basal dendrites. The pathological changes were revealed in group D which was characterised by degenerating neurons, axon and dendrites while rats in group E showed mild degenerative changes with a similar morphology when compared with Group A neurons but appear a bit distorted. Enzymes levels of SDH, & SOD showed more elevation in group C when compared to the control and the treated groups. MDA level was more elevated in group B compared to groups D&E. SOD level decreased across the groups except in group C. SDH level increased across the groups except in group B & D. The study concluded that Terminalia catappa has protective effect against brain damage induced by lead acetate and this is due to its antioxidant activities.

Keywords: lead acetate, Terminalia catappa, prefrontal cortex. SOD, MDA. & SDH.