The possible role of vitamin E on the structural changes of the cerebellum of senile albino male rats: A histological and immunohistochemical study

Abstract

Aging of the brain leads to impairments in cognitive and motor skills. There are multiple factors contributing in the aging process include oxidative stress and its damaging effects starting from the level of molecules. Imbalance between the production and the detoxification of free radicals leads to oxidative stress. Antioxidant is one of the defense mechanisms against free radical-induced oxidative stress. Vitamin E is one of the most important natural antioxidants and it has a perfect role in improving the function of the nervous system. The concentration of vitamin E in the cerebellum is the lowest among the whole brain parts. So the aim of the present study was to detect the possible effect of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) as an antioxidant drug on the structure of cerebellum of senile male albino rats In the current study, sixty male albino rats were divided into four groups, Group I, consisted of 10 adult rats that received no treatment, Group II, consisted of ten senile rats that received no treatment, Group III, consisted of 20 senile rats which were further subdivided into subgroup IIIa included 10 senile rats that received corn oil (0.4mg/ kg B.W./day) by oral gavage for 2 weeks and subgroup IIIb included 10 senile rats received same dose of corn oil by oral gavage for 4 weeks. GroupIV, consisted of 20 senile rats which were further subdivided into subgroup IVa included 10 senile rats that received vitamin E (200 mg/kg. B.W/day) by oral gavage for 2 weeks and subgroup IVb included 10 senile rats that received the same dose of vitamin E by oral gavage for 4 weeks.