Neuroprotective Effect of Low-Dose of Vitamin A on the Prefrontal Cortex of Methamphetamine Induced Adult Male Wistar Rats
Ezejindu Damian Nnabuihe
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Alozie Osinachi Prince
*
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Onyebu Chidinma Emilia
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Udodi Sopuluchukwu Princewill
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Enemuo Ijeoma
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Okeke Somadina Nnamdi
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
K. Ogbuokiri Doris
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Okeke Henry Kachikwuru
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Ekoh Augustine Alobu
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Nwaefulu Kester Eluemunor
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Sobanke A. Omolara
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Chidinma Ifeyinwa Mmaju
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Okafor Anulika Jacinta
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Chuka-Onwuokwu Ngozi Cynthia
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Ejiogu Ikedichukwu Chibueze
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Nwoko Sebastine Okechukwu
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Wuraola Serah Nnaemeka
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Ebi Victory Chinecherem
Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Calaber, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Agu Augustine Uchenna
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Ugwu Augustus Uchenna
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
Nwodo Ndubuisi Francis
Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Madonna University Nigeria, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Methamphetamine is a potent psychostimulant known to induce oxidative stress and neurodegeneration, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive and cognitive functions. Vitamin A, an essential antioxidant, may offer neuroprotection by modulating oxidative balance and preserving neuronal integrity. This study investigated the effect of low-dose vitamin A on the prefrontal cortex of adult male Wistar rats exposed to toxic doses of methamphetamine. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups consisting of five rats for each group. Group A received distilled water and normal feed; Group B received 10 mg/kg methamphetamine; Group C received 1.2 mg/kg vitamin A; and Group D received 10 mg/kg of methamphetamine and 1.2 mg/kg vitamin A. Treatment lasted for 28 days. Body weight, oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], and behavioral performance using the Morris Water Maze test were assessed. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and considered statistically significant when P <0.05. Methamphetamine exposure (Group B) led to significant weight loss (p = 0.001), elevated MDA levels, and reduced GSH and SOD activities, indicating oxidative stress. Co-administration of vitamin A (Group D) significantly improved antioxidant enzyme levels (p < 0.05) and reduced escape latency in the Morris Water Maze test, reflecting enhanced cognitive performance. Histological examination of the prefrontal cortex revealed that vitamin A mitigated methamphetamine-induced neuronal necrosis, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and perivascular edema, suggesting structural recovery. In conclusion, low-dose vitamin A may exert neuroprotective effects against methamphetamine-induced oxidative damage and cognitive impairment in the prefrontal cortex of adult male Wistar rats. These findings support the potential therapeutic role of vitamin A in managing methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity.
Keywords: Toxic dose, Vitamin A, wistar rat, neuroprotective, methamphetamine