Histological study on the the effects of curcumin and simvastatin on the structure of hippocampus of simvastatin on the structure of hippocampus of adult male albino rats exposedto ischemia

ABSTRACT

Hippocampus is a vulnerable brain structure susceptible to neuronal atrophy following oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress is an underlying cause of neuronal damage induced by ischemia /reperfusion [1 / R]. Oxygen free radicals are considered to be an important component involved in the pathophysiological tissue alterations in ischemia /reperfusion [1/ R] following oxidative stress. The present study was carried to investigate for any protective role of curcumnin and simvastatin on the structure of hippocampus of male albino rats exposed to ischemia. Fifty two adult male albino rats were used and divided into 6 groups. Group I [control group.], group II [sham-operated group,] group III [ischemic induced group] ,group IV[received curcumnin for 4veeks before induction of ischemia] ,group V [received simvastatin for 4weeks before induction of ischemia] group VI [received both curcumin and simvastatin for 4weeks before induction of ischemia]. The animals were sacrificed after 4 days of induction of ischemia. In group III, I /R led to degeneration of many pyramidal cells in area 1 of Corn Amninonis [CA1 area of hippocampus], apparent increase of astrocytes and a decrease of Nissl granules content. Group IV showed mild attenuation of generative changes seen in group III whereas astrocytes were still apparently increased. In group V, a greater cyroprolective effect was observed with simvastatin than curcumin. Many pyramidal cells appeared similar to control group, mild increase of Nissl granules content and an apparent slight increase of astrocytes were observed in group VI ,the pyramidal cells amid astrocytes had more or less similar appearance to control group. The present study showed a great protective effect for simvastatin on structure of hippocampus subjected to transient ischemia. This protective effect could be augmented by receiving curcumnin with simvastatin