tbzmedTabriz University of Medical SciencesPHARMOriginal ResearchProtective Effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine Against Formaldehyde-Induced Neuronal Damage in Cerebellum of MiceN-acetyl cysteine and formaldehydeMohammadiShabnamMashhad, 920143092014202292014Tabriz University of Medical Sciences2014Protective Effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine Against Formaldehyde-Induced Neuronal Damage in Cerebellum of Mice

Background: Formaldehyde, a colorless aldehyde with pungent odor, has negative effects on central nervous system. But, there are a little data about protective substances against neuronal damage induced by formaldehyde. Therefore, the present study was to examine histological changes in the cerebellum of formaldehyde exposed mice and possible effects of N-acetyl cysteine on these changes at histopatological level. Methods: Forty eight adult male NMRI mice were randomly divided into six groups: (I) control, (II) treated with 10 mg/kg formaldehyde, (III) treated with formaldehyde and 50 mg/kg N-acetyl cysteine, (IV) treated with formaldehyde and 100 mg/kg N-acetyl cysteine, (V) treated with formaldehyde and 200 mg/kg N-acetyl cysteine, (VI) treated with formaldehyde and 400 mg/kg N-acetyl cysteine. At the end of 14 days, the cerebellums were processed histologically and morphometric study was carried out using Image J software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0 and ANOVA test.  Results: The present study demonstrated a remarkable decrease in both the thickness and the number of the neurons of granular layer as well as the mean size and the mean number of Purkinje cells in formaldehyde-treated mice. Treatment with 50 mg/kg NAC increased the number of the neurons in molecular layer of the cerebellum as well as the thickness of the gray and white matter. Moreover, it increased the numbers of Purkinje cells (8.47±3.01 vs. 5.82±1.41). Conclusions: Our results suggest that administration with 50 mg/kg N-acetyl cysteine prevents formaldehyde-induced neuronal damage in cerebellum of mice.