Introduction: Methotrexate is a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent, vastly utilized not only for malignancies but also for various inflammatory diseases, but it had hazardous effects on cerebellum. Lepidium sativum aherbal medication seemed to have neuroprotective effects.
Objectives: This study was done to assess the effects of methotrexate on the cerebellum of adult male albino rats and the possible neuroprotective effect of lepidium sativum.
Material and Methods: Sixty (60) adult male albino rats, weighing nearly 170-200gms were used in the current study. The first group (n=10) was the control group. Rats of second group(n=10)were given lepidium sativum aqueous extract (150mg/kg/day) by gastric tube daily for 4 weeks. Rats of third group (n=20)were given methotrexate (20mg/kg) on the 14th day then left without treatment for 2 weeks. Rats of fourth group (n=20)were given both Methotrexate and Lepidium Sativum as groups II and III. After 4 weeks, animals were sacrificed then the cerebellum was excised and processed for histological, immunohistochemical and quantitative studies.
Results: Rats given lepidium sativum aquous extract was nearly similar to control group. Methotrexate treated rats showed significant decrease in number of Purkinje cells, significant increase in mean area % of GFAP positive immuno-staining and destructive changes of Purkinje cells with marked reduction of Nissl's granules. This was confirmed by electron microscopic examination and strong positive reaction for GFAP and caspase -3 reactions. Rats treated by Methotrexate and Lepidium Sativum showed nearly normal histological appearance of Purkinje cells with less vacuolated cytoplasm. This was confirmed by a significantrise in the number of Purkinje cells, significant diminution in caspase-3 positive cells and in GFAP immunostaining.
Conclusion: Lepidium Sativum aqueous extract ameliorates the neurotoxic effects of methotrexate. So, it is recommended to use Lepidium Sativum, whenever methotrexate treatment is needed.