Histological changes in the hippocampus of adult male albino rats following aluminum chloride administration: evidence of aluminum induced neurotoxicity

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University

Abstract

Background: Aluminum (Al), one of the metals with easily gain access to the nervous 
system through its presence in a lot of manufactured foods, medicines and drinking water. 
Aims: This study was designed to demonstrate the effects of Aluminum chloride (Alcl3) 
administration on rat hippocampus. Materials and Methods: The control group received 
distilled water orally while the Alcl3 group received 100 mg/kg body weight/day of Alcl3
orally for 42 days. Hippocampi were prepared for histological assessments using hematoxylin 
and eosin (H&E) stains. Results and Discussion: Alcl3 group showed histopathological 
changes in rat hippocampus including pyramidal neurons degenerative changes with
congestion of the blood capillaries. Conclusion: This study provides strong evidence for the 
neurotoxic action of Alcl3 on the rat hippocampus.
Abbreviations:
Aluminum chloride: Alcl3, Aluminum: Al, cornu ammonis: CA.
 

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