The Impact of Acrylamide on the Hippocampus in Male Rats
The Impact of Acrylamide on the Hippocampus in Male Rats
Mahsa Fathi,1,*
1. Msc of Molecular Genetics Deprtment of Genetics ,Islamic Azad University , Zanjan . Iran
Introduction: Acrylamide is a known neurotoxin found in heated starchy foods, such as fries and bread. While its impacts on the nervous system are established, few studies have investigated its specific effects on the hippocampus, a critical region for memory and learning. This study aims to elucidate the morphological and histopathological changes induced by acrylamide in the hippocampus of male rats
Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: a control group and three groups administered acrylamide at 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. At the end of the treatment period, rats were sacrificed, and their hippocampi were collected for histopathological examination. Hippocampal sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and morphometric analysis was performed to assess changes in the structure of the cornu ammonis (CA) and dentate gyrus (DG).
Results: Compared to the control group, acrylamide-treated rats exhibited dose-dependent degenerative changes in the hippocampus. In the CA region, pyramidal cell layers appeared disorganized, with decreased cell density and increased eosinophilia indicating necrosis. The DG displayed atrophy of granular cell layers, with reduced numbers of cells and increased intercellular spaces. Morphometric analysis revealed significant decreases in the thickness of the CA and DG layers with increasing acrylamide dose
Conclusion: Compared to the control group, acrylamide-treated rats exhibited dose-dependent degenerative changes in the hippocampus. In the CA region, pyramidal cell layers appeared disorganized, with decreased cell density and increased eosinophilia indicating necrosis. The DG displayed atrophy of granular cell layers, with reduced numbers of cells and increased intercellular spaces. Morphometric analysis revealed significant decreases in the thickness of the CA and DG layers with increasing acrylamide dose