Histological and Histochemical Studies on the Hippocampus Induced with Lead Acetate Following Oral Administration of Ethanolic Cowpea Extract on Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to ascertain the neuroprotective effects of Vigna unguiculata on adult male wistar rats following lead induced neurotoxicity. Study Design: 25 rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n=5): Group A (control), Group B (15 mg/kg lead acetate), Group C (15mg/kg lead acetate+100 mg/kg cowpea extract), Group D (15mg/kg lead acetate+200 mg/kg cowpea extract), and Group E (200 mg/kg cowpea extract). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Human Anatomy, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, Nigeria between September and October 2021. Methodology: Sample: 25 male Wistar Rats weighing between 170-220g were used for this study. Acclimatized for 7 days and were randomly selected into five groups of five animals each (A to E). Results: The present study observed that there were histological changes in hippocampus of adult Wistar rats exposed to lead acetate. There was restorative effect in the groups treated with Vigna unguiculata on the hippocampus by the changes induced by lead acetate. Histochemical results revealed that exposure to 15 mg/kg of lead acetate resulted in densely packed neurons with reduced Nissl substance, indicative of cytoplasmic condensation and impaired protein synthesis associated with neurotoxicity. Co-administration of cowpea extract demonstrated a dose-dependent restorative effect. Biochemical analysis in the present investigation further revealed alterations in oxidative stress markers in the brain tissues of the experimental animals. Conclusion: This present study has established that ethanolic extract of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) at appropriate doses was able to ameliorate the effect of lead on the hippocampus and may likely be beneficial to the population in areas exposed to lead poisoning.