Omotoso G.O., Adekeye M., Femi-Akinlosotu O., Akinola O.B., Enaibe B.U.
Omotoso, G.O., Dept of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Adekeye, M., Dept of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Femi-Akinlosotu, O., Dept of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Akinola, O.B., Dept of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Enaibe, B.U., Dept of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Objectives: T determine the effects of nicotine on the frontal cortex of animal models during the process of development. Methodology: Adult female Wistar rats were mated after determination of their oestrous cycle. Pregnant rats were categorized as 1st and 2ndgestational weeks (GW), each divided into a control and treated group. The treated group received 0.1 ml of 13.76 mg/kg nicotine, the control received 0.1 ml of normal saline intraperitoneal ly, for 6 consecutive days per GW. After delivery, the weights of pups were monitored, and at postnatal day 35 (P35), they were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The brain was weighed, after which the frontal cortex was excised and weighed. The frontal cortex was processed for quantitative analysis of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and tissue histology. Results: There was low birth weights in pups treated with prenatal nicotine, while the brain and body weights at P35 significantly reduced in 1stGW group, but increased in 2nd GW group. The tissue activity of LDH was reduced in 1st GW group, but elevated in the 2nd GW group. The microarchitecture of the frontal cortex was altered with reduced cell population, loss of cellular components and reduced staining intensity. Conclusion: The detrimental effects of prenatal nicotine could affect cortical functions later in life. © 2015 Pakistan Medical Association. All rights reserved.