ABSTRACT
The international racing between countries for using uranium element and its isotopes led to renewal of the efforts evaluating its health impacts. The present study aimed at assessing the possible histological alterations in the cerebral cortex of albino rats ingesting a soluble uranium compound as an experimental simulation to the long term exposure to uranium pollutants in drinking water. Ten control adult male albino rats have received daily 1 ml of ordinary tap water by orogastric intubation for 90 days. Another group of 15 experimental rats have received 60 micro g / kg body weight dissolved uranium in 14.21 micro ml uranyl acetate added to 1 ml tap water by the same route and for the same duration. Specimens from the left fronto-temporal area of the cerebral cortices of both groups of animals were processed for light microscopic examination by routine hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemical labeling for glial fibrillary acidic protein as well as for transmission electron microscopy. The applied dose and duration of exposure to uranyl acetate in drinking water proved to induce focal degenerative changes in some neurons of the cerebral cortex, which was associated with moderate increase in the neuroglial reaction. Regular, short-termed monitoring of uranium levels in all sources of drinking water is mandatory at the local as well as the national ranges. The population at risk for high rates of exposure should be subjected to periodic assessment of uranium level in urine. The efforts of the national and international health organizations together with the governments should be directed to limit the expanding utilization of uranium compounds in civilian and military applications