Pyramidal cell morphology and cell death in the hippocampus of adult mice with experimentally induced hydrocephalus

Background: Hippocampus is a neural structure in the temporal lobe that plays a crucial role in learning and memory. Cognitive impairment with learning disabilities is a common feature in hydrocephalus and is more prominent in adult-onset hydrocephalus. The aim of this study is to describe the morphological alterations in the pyramidal cells of the hippocampus of adult hydrocephalic mice. Method: Hydrocephalus was induced in adult albino mice by intra-cisternal injection of kaolin suspension (250 mg/ml in sterile water). They were sacrificed 7, 14 and 21 days post-induction. Morphological analysis was carried out on hematoxylin and eosin stained coronal sections of the hippocampus: the pyramidal neurons (normal and pyknotic) in the CA1 and CA3 subregions were counted and the pyknotic index (PI) was calculated. The somatic and dendritic features of Golgi stained pyramidal neurons were examined by light microscopy in both hydrocephalic and control mice. Result: The PI was significantly greater in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in the hydrocephalic groups compared to the age matched controls. The dendritic processes of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region were fewer with shorter terminal branches in the hydrocephalic mice than in controls; this was pronounced at 7 days post-induction. In the CA3 region, there was no difference in dendritic arborization between hydrocephalic and control mice. Conclusion: Acute adult-onset hydrocephalus was associated with increased pyknosis and reduced dendritic arborization in hippocampal pyramidal cells in the CA1 but not CA3 region

Launaea taraxacifolia Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Hepato-renal Injury.

Aims: The protective potential of aqueous leaf extract of Launaea taraxacifolia against Cisplatin-induced hepato-renal damage in Wistar rats. Study Design: Randomized controlled experiment Place and Duration of Study: Experimental Animal Unit and Department of Anatomy, University of Ibadan between July and September, 2013. Methodology: Thirty rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group Acontrol; Group B- cisplatin (CIS) alone; Group C and D- Launea taraxacifolia (LT) 100 mg and 400 mg respectively and Group E and F- treated with LT 100 mg and 400 mg respectively and then given CIS. Kidney and liver sections were taken for histopathological evaluations. Serum samples were taken for alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], bilirubin [BIL], total protein (TP), albumin [ALB], blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREAT) level assessments. The remaining tissues were processed for the assessment of biochemical markers of oxidative stress: Lipid peroxidation (LPO), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione (GSH). Results: Hepatorenal histological toxicities were observed in rats exclusively exposed to cisplatin while dose-dependent ameliorations of these histopathologies were seen in those with combined exposure (Groups E and F) with the aqueous extract of Launaea taraxacifolia and virtually normal histoarchitecture was seen in extract alone treated rats. The hepatic (ALT, AST, BIL) and renal (BUN and CREAT) injury markers significantly (p<0.05) increased in groups exclusively exposed to cisplatin with less severity in cotreated (E and F) groups. The oxidative stress markers, LPO, SOD and CAT levels which were significantly elevated (p<0.05) in cisplatin exclusively exposed Group B, were not altered in other groups when compared with control. However, glutathione level significantly decrease (p<0.05) in GSH levels in kidney and liver tissues of (Group B) cisplatin alone relative to control. Conclusion: Launaea taraxacifolia provides protection against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal damage through its antioxidant activities.