Lead acetate- induced neurodegenerative changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of mice: the role of Vitexin

This study was aimed at investigating the neuroprotective effect of Vitexin against lead (Pb) induced neurodegenerative changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and working memory in mice. Thirty-two adolescent male albino mice were divided into four groups (n=8). Control group received 0.2 mL of normal saline; Pb group received 100 mg/kg of Pb acetate for 14 days, Vitexin group received 1mg/kg of Vitexin for 14 days, and Pb+Vitexin group received 100 mg/kg of Pb acetate and 1 mgkg of Vitexin for 14 days. Barnes maze test and novel object recognition test were done to ascertain working memory. Histoarchitectural assessment of DLPFC was done with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), cresyl fast violet and congo red stains. Furthermore, cell count and other morphometric measurements were done. There was significant decline in working memory in the Pb group, but a combination of Pb+Vitexin improved the working memory. Vitexin significantly reduced neuronal death and chromatolysis caused by Pb. Amyloid aggregation was not observed in any of the groups. This study has shown that concurrent administration of Vitexin and Pb will significantly reduce neurodegeneration and improve working memory. However, Pb treatment or Pb+Vitexin treatment does not have any effect on intercellular distance, neuronal length and the cross-sectional area of neurons in layer III of DLPFC.