Effect of aflatoxin-B1 on rat cerebellar cortex: light and electronmicroscopic study

IntroductionAflatoxin contamination of foods is a worldwide problem, especially in developingcountries. The effects of aflatoxins on the cerebellum are not well studied.Aim of the studyThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible neurotoxic effects ofaflatoxin B1 on the cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rats.Materials and methodsA total of 30 adult female albino rats were used. They were divided into two groups.Group I (10 animals) was allowed water ad libitum and fed a standard diet (negativecontrol). Group II (20 animals) was administered 5 ml aflatoxin B1 orally by a gastrictube every week for 8 consecutive weeks. Samples from the cerebella were takenand processed for light and electron microscopic investigation.ResultsLight microscopic examination of the cerebellar cortex of aflatoxin-treated animalsshowed its prominent neurotoxic effect on the Purkinje cell layer, with less effecton the granular and molecular layers. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cellswere more abundant in the three cortical layers of treated animals compared withthe control animals. Ultrastructural study of the cerebellum of the aflatoxin-treatedgroup showed dilated Golgi complex and accumulation of secondary lysosomesin association with nuclear shrinkage and irregularity within Purkinje cells. Manymyelinated nerve fibers and nerve cell processes in the molecular and granular layerbelonging to the affected nerve cells showed degenerative changes.ConclusionIt could be concluded according to this study that aflatoxin B1 has a neurotoxiceffect on the cerebellar cortex of adult female albino rats.