Kolaviron ameliorates toxic effects of aluminum chloride on the hippocampus of fetal Wistar rats in utero: Biochemical and ultrastructural observations

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the biochemical and ultrastructural effects of kolaviron (Kv) on the hippocampus of fetal Wistar rats exposed to aluminum chloride (AlCl3) toxicity in utero. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty female Wistar rats were selected at random and mated. Following confirmation of mating, pregnant rats were assigned into five groups (n = 5). Controls: Group A received distilled water; Group B: 0.6 ml of corn oil; Group C: 200 mg/kg of Kv; Group D: 100 mg/kg of AlCl3 and Group E 100 mg/kg of AlCl3 and 200 mg/kg of Kv. Administration was done from days 8-10 and 15-17 of gestation during the 2nd and 3rd weeks respectively. Biochemical analyses were investigated to assess oxidative stress levels, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examined ultrastructural changes. Pregnant animals were sacrificed on day 20 of gestation; fetuses, their brains, and hippocampi were excised, respectively. Hippocampal tissues of fetuses were homogenized in 0.25 M of sucrose solution for biochemical assay while some were fixed in 2.5% phosphate-buffered saline-based glutaraldehyde for TEM. RESULTS: Elevated levels of Al, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and interleukin 6 were observed in the hippocampi of fetuses whose mothers received AlCl3. TEM revealed loss of nuclear membrane and increased condensation of chromatin materials in the same group. However, significant reduction of these enzymes including improved ultrastructural alterations were observed in the fetal hippocampus of the AlCl3 + Kv-treated group. CONCLUSION: This study showed that Kv significantly reduced neurodegenerative effects induced by AlCl3 in the hippocampii of fetal Wistar rats in utero probably owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.