Background
The hippocampus is an important structure for formation of new memories. Cadmium is one
of the most toxic agents that can affect hippocampal neurons. L‑carnitine is an antioxidant.
Aim of work
To demonstrate the effects of cadmium on principal cells of hippocampus of adult rats and
possible protective role of L‑carnitine.
Materials and methods
A total of 42 adult rats aged 1 month were subdivided into four subgroups: group I was the control
group, which received no treatment. Group II was administered cadmium given at a dose of
4 mg/kg/day for 1 month. Group III (sham control) was administered L‑carnitine given at a dose of
200 mg/kg/day for 1 month. Group IV was administered cadmium and L‑carnitine given to the rats
at the same previous doses and duration. For each group, six rats were used for light microscopic
study (gallocyanin chrom alum stain), and six rats were used for electron microscopy (group III studied
only by light microscopy). Principal cell count and thickness were measured and statistically analyzed.
Results
Principal cells in group II showed degenerative changes. Morphometric data showed a
significant decrease in measured parameters. In group III, the results were similar to those of
the control group. In group IV, semithin sections and the ultrastructure of the principal cells
showed obvious improvement of cells. Morphometric data also increased compared with those
treated with cadmium.
Conclusion
Cadmium induces changes in the structure of the principal cells of the hippocampus in adult
rats. L‑carnitine plays an important in protection of the hippocampus.