Cerebral cortex damage induced by acute oral alcohol intake is associated with oxidative stress in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

The prefrontal cortex undergoes functional and structural changes due to binge or chronic alcohol consumption. This study examines alcohol-induced cerebral cortex damage and the association with oxidative stress in an animal model. Twenty-four Wistar rats (12 males and 12 females) weighing 150g to 250g were divided into four groups, A, B, C and D according to their weights. The rats in groups B, C and D were administered with 2mls of 52.5%, 16.5% and 4.3% v/v aqueous alcoholic solution respectively for 21 days. While rats in group A (control group) were given distilled water only, for the same period. The brain of each rat was excised, weighed and fixed in 10% formal saline for histological analysis while others were immersed in ice cold 30% sucrose solution, homogenized and analyzed for superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and acetylcholinesterase activity. Results indicate chromatolysis of Nissl bodies, cortical necrosis, and uneven neuronal loss with varying range of vacuolations in the prefrontal cortices of the alcohol treated rats in a dosedependent manner when compared with the control group. Cerebral cortex damage due to acute oral alcohol intake is associated with oxidative stress.

Keywords: Brain, cerebral cortex, alcohol, Wistar rats, oxidative stress