Anatomy & Physiology: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Novel Potential of Vitamin C and E on the Myelin, Oligodendrocyte and Inflammatory Markers of Rohypnol Exposed Amygdala in Rats

Ezejindu Damian Nnabuihe, Princewill Sopuluchukwu Udodi, Joshua Izuchukwu Abugu*, Benedict Kosisochukwu Ukwandu, Enemuo Ijeoma, Christian Emeka Okafor, Agulanna Ambrose Echefulachi, Ifeanacho Ezetaonu Abireh, Augustine U Agu, Augustus Uchenna Ugwu, Okara Andy-Davis chidi

Rohypnol, scientifically known as flunitrazepam, is a potent benzodiazepine medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of severe insomnia and as a pre-anesthetic medication. However, its reputation has been tarnished by its misuse as a recreational drug and its association with drug-facilitated crimes, particularly sexual assault. However, its potent sedative effects can lead to memory impairment, loss of motor coordination and respiratory depression, especially when combined with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. This study aims to investigate and establish mechanism and novel potential of vitamin C and E on the myelin, oligodendrocytes and inflammatory markers of rohypnol exposed amygdala. Twenty-five male adult wistar rats were divided into five groups: The control group was exposed to normal atmospheric air, 1 mg/kg of rohypnol, 1 mg/kg of rohypnol+100 mg/kg of vitamin C, 1 mg/kg of rohypnol+100 mg/kg of vitamin E, 1 mg/kg of rohypnol+100 mg/kg of vitamin C and E and the test groups were exposed orally for 28 days. In the last three days of exposure, neurobehavioral tests were conducted. 24 hours after the last exposure, the animals were anesthetized using chloroform vapour. The brains were harvested by making an occipitofrontal incision for biochemical and histological assessment. The fixation was done in 10% neutral buffered formalin for 48 hrs following the brain mapping to isolate the brain tissue of interest. The vitamin C and Eexposed rats showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) progressive improvement in their behaviours including the oxidative stress markers when compared to the control, in conclusion, this study have shown that good antioxidants such as vitamin C and E are very much effective in reducing oxidative stress and thus, have great antioxidant ameliorative properties to the rohypnol induced amygdala of the wistar rats.

Published Date: 2025-02-20; Received Date: 2024-06-18