Biochemical and histopathological study of the cerebellar changes induced by chronic lead exposure in young albino rats

ABSTRACT

Despite mandated reduction in environmental lead [pb[++]], such exposure still poses a public health hazard for children , with devastating effects on CNS development . to replicate aspects of this neurotoxicity, we used sixty young albino rats of both sexes age 3 weeks [50-60 gm] to study the effect of [pb[++]] on the biochemical and histopathological alterations in cerebellum. The animal were divided into two groups [30 animals each], control and tested. The tested group received 1 gm lead acetate in drinking water daily for 3 months, and at the time of sacrifice, all animals were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected and used for determination of blood lead level Then brains were dissected out carefully and processed for light and electron microscope examination, also for determination of gamma- aminobutyric acid [GABA] level. The blood lead level [BLL] and GABA showed a significant increase in the group exposed to lead acetate when compared to the control group .Light microscope examination of the cerebellum of the same group revealed that there was a marked disarrangement of purkinje cells which appeared more round and the granular and molecular layers showed numerous foci of necrosis. Electron microscope examination of the cerebellum of the same group showed that there was disarrangement of purkinje cells with irregularity of nuclear membrane with increase in the density of chromatin, dilated cisterna of endoplasmic reticulum, blebbing in mitochondria with increase in the dense bodies and cell apoptosis and also increased in cytoplasmic vacuolization. In conclusion, the elevation of GABA level and histopathological alteration were noticed in cerebellum with ongoing exposure to lead in young rats. So, it is advisable to test the children for lead poisoning with pediatrician every six month up to 6 years of age especially in the polluted areas