Histological evaluation of postnatal exposure to paracetamol impacts on cerebral cortex histology of male rat

• Main Authors: Albo-Hussin, Saif Mohammed Yasir, Al-Allaf, Luma Ibrahim Khalel
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analgesics; Blood vessels; Brain; Cerebral cortex; Distilled water; Histology; Males; Necrosis; Nuclei; Staining
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0113506

Recently, poorer executive function and behaviour in childhood is related to prenatal and early-life exposure to paracetamol. There is a paucity of the histologic effect of paracetamol on the cerebral cortex, especially in postnatal periods. The current study aims to identify whether paracetamol induces changes in the cerebral cortex histology when administered postnatally from PND7-PND14. Twenty healthy male albino pups were used in this work. Pups were categorized into 2 groups, Group 1 (control group): includes 10 pups that received distilled water subcutaneously/daily from PND 7-PND14. Group 2 (paracetamol group): Includes pups that received a daily subcutaneous dose of 60mg/kg of paracetamol from PND 7-PND14. At the end of the experiment, euthanization with ether was performed, and the brain was carefully dissected out and left immersed in the fixative, then the samples were submitted to tissue processing and staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Light microscopic evaluation of sections of the frontal cortex of rats of paracetamol group exhibited a spectrum of histological changes in comparison with those of controls as the presence of vacuoles, some pyramidal cells were showed an irregularity in shape and possessed deeply stained nuclei with surrounding halos. Deeply stained neuroglial cells were noticed. Few of the granular cells were exhibited shrinkage, with deep staining. The presence of a dilated blood vessel was seen also. In addition, the appearance of double nuclei was noticed. Some pyramidal cells showed karyolysis with increased microglia often seen, vacuolated glial cells with fibrillary materials. Some degenerated granular cells are present. Moreover, features of necrosis often seen with the presence of degenerated glial cells with surrounding dead neurons. In Conclusion, the paracetamol induces moderate changes in the cerebral cortex histology when administered postnatally from PND7-PND14 indicated its adverse effects on the brain. The use of paracetamol should be under control especially for neonates.