Background: Fluoride is a toxic element that has a hazardous effect on the nervous tissue. Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenolic compound with strong antioxidant properties.
Aim: Using histopathological and immunohistochemical studies to evaluate the impact of NaF on the cerebellar cortex of albino rats and the protective effect of RSV.
Methods: In this investigation, forty adult male albino rats had been used. The animals were randomly divided into four groups, 10 in each. Group I: (Negative control group): No medications were given. Group II: (Positive control group): Animals were given 30 mg/kg of RSV one time per day. Group III: (NaF group): Animals were given 10 mg/kg NaF one time per day. Group IV: (NaF+RSV group): Animals were given 10 mg/kg of NaF and 30 mg/kg of RSV one time per day. At the end of the 30-day experiment, the body weight of all animals was recorded, and then they were sacrificed. The cerebella were separated and weighed. Samples were processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) for general structure and cytosolic aspartate specific cystiene protease (Caspase-3) immunohistochemical staining for apoptosis.
Results: NaF exposure obviously affected the rats' body weight and caused histopathological changes in the cortex of rats' cerebellum. RSV protected against such changes and reduced the apoptotic activity of NaF.
Conclusion: NaF exposure seriously affects the cortex of the cerebellum and induces apoptotic activity via the caspase-3 pathway. Co-administration of RSV along with NaF protected against the neurotoxic effects of NaF.