PRELIMINARY HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF AQUEOUS FRUIT EXTRACT OF PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L. (DATE PALM) ON LEAD ACETATE-INDUCED CEREBELLAR DAMAGES IN WISTAR RATS

Aim: This study was to histologically assess the therapeutic effect of aqueous fruit extract of Phoenix dactylifera (AFEPD) on lead acetate-induced cerebellar damage in Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty four rats were grouped into six (I–VI; n=4). Group I (control) received distilled water (1 ml/kg). Group II received lead acetate (LA, 120mg/kg) only. Groups III and IV received LA (120mg/kg) followed by AFEPD (1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg, respectively). Groups V and VI received AFEPD (1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg, respectively). All administrations were by oral route. Treatment lasted 28 days; LA was administered from day 1 to day 14, while AFEPD was administered from day 15 to day 28 of the experimental period. Therapeutic activity of AFEPD was assessed by histological examination of the cerebellar cortex with H and E stain. Results: Findings revealed neurodegenerative changes in the cerebellar cortex like perineuronal vacoulations and cytoplasmic shrinkage in molecular layer cells and Purkinje cells in LA-intoxicated group. The administration of AFEPD remarkably ameliorated LA–induced cerebellar damage dose dependently. Normal cerebellar histoarchitecture was observed with administration of AFEPD only. Conclusion: Results suggest that AFEPD has therapeutic potentials against lead acetate-induced cerebellar damage in Wistar rats.   Key words: Cerebellum, Lead acetate, Phoenix dactylifera