Effect of caffeinated energy drinks on the structure of hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 and dentate gyrus of adult male albino rats

Abstract

Energy drinks are available worldwide and frequently consumed to increase energy level and compensate lack of sleep. Energy drinks consumers aim to improve their cognitive functions. Red Bull is the most popular energy drink consumed in Egypt. However, the link between the impact of energy drinks on the structure of hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG), a highly vulnerable brain regions to various insults, has not yet documented. To study the effect of energy drinks on structure of hippocampal CA1 and DG of adult male albino rats. Twenty one adult male albino rats were divided into three groups; group I control group, groups II and III received Red Bull, with a dose of 3.75 ml/kg/day orally using gastric tube for four and eight consecutive weeks respectively. At the end of the experiment, brains were dissected and hippocampal specimens were processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Histopathological examination of hippocampal sections in group II revealed vacuoles, decrease thickness of pyramidal cell layer with irregular dark or ghost nuclei. However, changes were more severe in group III with cracks in pyramidal cell layer, massive vacuolation and signet ring cells. Moreover, star shaped astrocytes and glial fibrillary acidic protein immuno-reactivity were more abundant in group III than in group II. Caffeinated energy drinks produced neurodegenerative changes and reactive astrocytosis in hippocampal CA1 and DG of adult male albino rats. These changes were duration-dependent being more severe in longer duration of intake.

The Consumption of Energy Drinks Induces Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Wild-Type Mice

“…Diaz et al demonstrated in rats, substantial inflammation and oxidative stress within the hippocampus and temporal cortex following the intake of energy drinks ( 34 ). Furthermore, the ingestion of energy drinks resulted in neurodegeneration and astrocytosis in hippocampal CA1 and dentate gyrus regions of adult rats ( 29 ). However, the mechanisms whereby the energy drink consumption compromise cerebral function and integrity are presently unknown.…”

“…The dose of each drink ingested was determined based on similar previous studies ( 27 ) in attempt to replicate the higher level of social relevance in the context of energy drink consumption. Male mice were chosen because energy drink consumption is more popular in men than women ( 28 ), and to be consistent with previous studies ( 26 , 29 ). All groups were provided with standard rodent maintenance chow (AIN-93M, Specialty Feeds, WA, Australia).…”

Histological changes of CA and DG regions of hippocampus of rats’ brain after exposure to Acetaminophen in postnatal period

“…The continuation of CA1 zone-Subiculum and is directed outward. Hippocampus has generally the three zones; polymorphic, pyramidal, and molecular (11). On the other hand, the DG formed of 3 zones: Molecular, Granular and the Hilus which is represented the Polymorphic layer.…”

“…It was documented that hippocampus, including DG, exhibits well morphological plasticity in adulthood. Few brain regions that continue their capability to form new neurons during adult life in some mammalian species (including humans) and hippocampus is one of them (11). Treatment with many agents including drugs may have associated with impairments in cognition and psychologyparticularly -the memory task -that depends on hippocampus because the adverse effect of them on Hippocampal neurogenesis (11,14).…”

“…Few brain regions that continue their capability to form new neurons during adult life in some mammalian species (including humans) and hippocampus is one of them (11). Treatment with many agents including drugs may have associated with impairments in cognition and psychologyparticularly -the memory task -that depends on hippocampus because the adverse effect of them on Hippocampal neurogenesis (11,14). The hippocampal formation has an integral zone -dentate gyrus (DG) -which is simple cortical part which has the ability to retain neurogenesis throughout adulthood (13).…”