To Study the Histomorphological Changes in Cerebellar Purkinje Cells after Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter in C57BL/6J Mice

Abstract

Objective: To study the histomorphological changes in cerebellar Purkinje cells after exposure to fine particulate matter in C57BL/6J mice. Study Design: Laboratory based experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Anatomy department of the Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, from 15 June to 15 September 2020, in coordination with the Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, and the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad. Materials and Methods: Thirty male and female C57BL/6 mice, 8 weeks of age, weighing 37± 2 gm were obtained from NIH, Islamabad. The animals were divided in two groups, 15 mice in each group (8 male and 7 female) Group A were marked as control, received regular diet and water ad libitum. Group B (experimental group) received dynamic inhalation of 3mg/m³ fine particles (soot) through air circulation for 6h/d for 12 weeks, in plastic cabin measuring 2x2x2 feet fitted with two small fans for evenly distribution of Particulate Matter. After exposure period, the animals were sacrificed. After sectioning the tissue and staining, the microscopic analysis was carried out. Purkinje cell margins were evaluated. Number of Purkinje cells and changes in Purkinje cell size were noted. Data was collected, analyzed with the statistical package for social sciences version 23. A p value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Result: The Purkinje cell margins were observed to become irregular and corrugated in the experimental groups B when compared with control group A. The number and size of Purkinje cells also showed difference when compared to the control group A. Conclusion: The present study concluded that fine particulate matter induces changes in histomorphological features of mice cerebellar tissue including Purkinje cells.

Keywords

• air pollution
• cerebellum
• fine particulate matter
• purkinje cells.