Introduction: Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known industrial chemical, has adverse effects on the brain even at relatively low exposure levels in rodents, primates and humans. Omega-3-fatty acids participate in a number of neuronal processes including neurogenesis, neuron differentiation, and neuro-protection.
Aim of the work: To investigate the possible protective action of omega-3-fatty acids on the injurious histological effect induced by Bisphenol A on rat hippocampus.
Materials and Methods: Eighteen adult male Wistar rats were divided into 3 equal groups; control, BPA (1.2mg/kg daily for 3 weeks, intraperitoneally) and the third group were given omega-3 (300mg/kg orally) in addition to BPA in the aforementioned dose and duration. Hippocampus sections were processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining, GFAB staining and electron microscopic examination.
Results: BBPA administration resulted into several histological alterations. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells were more abundant in the hippocampus of
BPA-treated animals compared with the control animals. Ultra-structurally, the hippocampus of BPA-treated group showed nerve cells having nuclei with irregular outline and dilated perinuclear envelop, dilated RER and Golgi, swollen mitochondria with destroyed cristae. Some of the myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers showed degenerative changes. Concomitant administration of omega-3- fatty acids ameliorated these effects.
Conclusions: OOmega-3-fatty acids partially minimized the severity of BPA- induced
hippocampus injurious histological effects in Wistar rat.