Astrocytes represent the predominant type of cell found in the mammalian brain. There is scanty literature on the ameliorative effects of Allium sativum in lead-induced neurodegenerative changes on astrocyte cells. Twenty-five Wistar rats (N=5) were used and were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 control and Group 2 Lead (60 mg/kg body weight [bw]) were dissolved in distilled water once a day. Group 3 and 4 Lead (60 mg/kg bw) plus 10 and 20% LD50 Fraction dissolved in distilled water once a day. Group 5 Lead (60 mg/kg bw) plus Succimer (10 mg/kg bw). Animals were sacrificed and brains were removed, washed in normal saline, and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Cerebellum immunohistochemistry sections were prepared, and ImageJ Fiji software was used to determine astrocyte count, total surface area, and size in the Cerebellum. The results showed an increased positive cell in Lead only compared with the control, while recovery Groups 3, 4, and 5 showed slight decreases compared with Lead only. However, increased astrocyte count, area, and cell size were observed in the Lead group as compared with the control and recovery groups. Lead exposure could significantly increase the astrocytes, and the A. sativum n-butanol fraction could ameliorate its effects.

 

Key words: Astrocyte, lead, Allium sativum, cerebellum