Introduction: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of estrogens and androgens. It is proven to have central and anti-aging effects.
Aim of the Work: To investigate the effect of administration of DHEA on the age-related changes of primary auditory cortex in senile male albino rats.
Materials and Methods: 10 adult male rats aged 4-6 months (200-250 gm) and 30 senile male albino rats aged 20-24 months (350-500 gm) were used in this study. Group I (adult group): 10 rats received no medications for 8 weeks. Group II (senile control group): 20 senile rats and were further subdivided into two subgroups:
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Subgroup IIA (Negative senile control): included 10 rats that were not given any treatment for 8 weeks.
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Subgroup IIB (Vehicle senile control): included 10 rats that rats received 1ml/kg/B.W. of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) once daily by oral gavage for 8 weeks.
Group III (senile treated with DHEA):10 rats received 20mg/kg/B.W. of DHEA dissolved in 1ml of DMSO once daily by oral gavage for 8 weeks.
Results: Examination of cerebral cortex of group II showed significant decline in cortical thickness. There were marked degenerative changes and decreased Nissl granules in pyramidal cells. The neuropil showed vacuolation with pericellular spaces. Immunohistochemical study showed significant increase in GFAP positive astrocytes. Administration of DHEA improved the altered cerebral morphology with significant statistical improvement in pyramidal cells and astrocytes count.
Conclusion: DHEA ameliorate age associated changes in the primary auditory area of the rat cerebral cortex. Hence, it is recommended to include the DHEA as a powerful therapeutic strategy for age related hearing loss in aged individuals.