Effects of ethanol leaf extract of Spondias mombin on scopolamine-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration in adult male Wistar rats: evidence from behavioral, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses
Résumé
Previous studies have demonstrated that phytochemicals present in Spondias mombin leaves possess neuro-regenerative and neuroprotective potentials. This study therefore evaluated the effects of ethanol leaf extract of Spondias mombin (ELESM) on the hippocampus of adult male Wistar rats with scopolamine-induced neurodegeneration using biochemical, behavioral, histological, and immunohistochemical assessments. This study was conducted for a period of 71 days. Forty-two adults male Wistar rats (200 ± 20 g) were randomly assigned into six groups ( n = 7). Group I received normal saline (1 mL/kg) orally for 10 weeks. Neurodegeneration was induced in Groups II–VI by intraperitoneal administration of scopolamine (1 mg/kg) for two weeks. Twenty-four hours after induction, Group II received normal saline (1 mL/kg) orally, Group III received donepezil (5 mg/kg) orally, while Groups IV–VI received ELESM (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) respectively for eight weeks. Result showed that scopolamine administration significantly increased acetylcholinesterase activity, reduced antioxidant status, and promoted inflammation. Behavioral assessments showed reduced locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior accompanied with impaired working memory. Histological findings demonstrated features of neurodegeneration, including reduced neuronal density in the dentate gyrus and a decreased proportion of healthy neurons in the cornu ammonis subfields. White matter integrity in the alveus was compromised, appearing distorted and de-compacted. Immunohistochemical analysis further revealed astrocytic reactivity in response to oxidative stress. These findings indicate that scopolamine triggered molecular and structural alterations that persisted beyond the induction period. However, treatment with Donepezil and ELESM 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg produced significant anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, restoring these protein levels to near normal. Donepezil and ELESM improved cognitive and memory functions and attenuated anxiety-like behavior. Histological integrities of the hippocampus subfields were preserved, while immunohistochemistry showed modulation of astrocytic glial fibrillary acidic protein expression. Chronic scopolamine administration caused long term impairments, but ELESM demonstrated neuroprotective effects against scopolamine-induced neurodegeneration, likely mediated through its anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in adult male Wistar rats.
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