Aqueous Extract of Allium Sativum Linn. Protected the Cerebellum of Adult Female Wistar Rats against Mercury-induced Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Environmental pollution and work related hazard have exposed humans to various metallic agents including, mercury. The protective effect of Allium sativum (A. sativum) Linn (Garlic) on mercury-induced oxidative stress in the cerebellum of adult female Wistar rats was studied. Twenty five adult female Wistar rats weighing between 180g and 210g, used for this study were  divided into five groups; Group 1 rats received distilled water and served as the control, group 2 rats were administered 3.75mg/kg body weight of Mercury (II) chloride (Hgcl₂) only, group 3 rats were administered 50mg/kg body weight of A. sativum extract only, group 4 rats were administered 3.75mg/kg Hgcl₂ and 50mg/kg of A. sativum extract and group 5 were administered 3.75mg/kg Hgcl₂ and 100mg/kg vitamin C orally for 28 days. The body weight and neurobehavioral studies were done shortly before sacrifice on day 29. After sacrifice, the brain was dissected out and the cerebellum, processed for biochemical and histolomorphological evaluations. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p<0.05. Results showed signs of general body weakness, decline in food and water intake, and decreased weight gain in the Hgcl₂ and A. sativum + Hgcl₂ groups compared with the control and other treated groups. There was reduced drop-off time in the forelimb grip strength in the Hgcl₂-treated groups compared with the control. An increased lipid peroxidation, and decreased glutathione levels, SOD and GPx activities was seen in the cerebellum of Hgcl₂-treated group compared with the control and other treated groups. Histomorphologically, there was reduction in the molecular layer thickness, loss of Purkinje cells and increased astrocytes population in the cerebellum of the Hgcl₂-treated group compared with the control and the other treated groups. In conclusion, exposure to mercury affected muscle tone, induced oxidative stress causing morphological alterations. Aqueous extracts of Allium sativum and vitamin C decreased the rate at which mercury induced oxidative damage in the cerebellum of adult female Wistar rats