Aim: To investigate the protective effects of kolaviron on brain weight and behavioural performance and the histology of the hippocampus of adult Wistar rats following methamphetamine challenge.
Materials and Methods:Twenty four adult Wistar rats weighing between 150-200 g, randomly assigned into four groups of six each (Groups A, B, C, D) were used for this research. Group A served as control, while groups B and C were given single dose methamphetamine (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally after group C was pre-treated with kolaviron (200 mg/kg) for 7 days and group D received cornoil (vehicle for kolaviron) only.Results: High level of methamphetamine-induced stereotypic movement was observed, and the onset was delayed by kolaviron administration. Animals administered methamphetamine only, showed significantly poor behavioural performance on the water maze after treatment when compared to the other groups (P<0.05). Histological analysis revealed neuronal destruction of the pyramidal layer of the hippocampus following methamphetamine administration. Kolaviron to some extent prevented destruction of pyramidal cells of the hippocampus in pre-treated rats.
Conclusion:The present findings show the neuro-destructive effects of methamphetamine on hippocampal neurons and its ability to negatively affect behaviour and that kolaviron could prevent such behavioural deficit and also afford some protection to the hippocampus.