EFFECTCT OF KAPOK (CEIBA PENTANDRA) ON THE MIDBRAIN OF CADMIUM INDUCED NERUOTOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS

The midbrain, also known as the mesencephalon plays a crucial role in motor control, pain modulation, sensory processing etc. Cadmium, being one of the heavy metals, has been associated with oxidative stress, leading to neurodegeneration. Ceiba pentandra, a plant, is known to possess antioxidant properties, attenuating the effect of oxidative stress. A total of twenty (20) wistar rats (173-180g) were obtained from the animal unit of the, Abia State University and were used for this studly. The animals were housed in aluminium cages and provided with standard feed. The animals were grouped for their administration as follows, group 1, normal control received distilled water; group 2, treated with 1000mg/kg of cadmium; group 3, treated with 1000mg/kg of cadmium+ 400mg/kg of Ceiba.P extract; group 4, treated with 1000mg/kg of cadmium-+ 800mg/kg of Ceiba.P extract, Treatment was done through the oral route with the use of orogastric tube for 21 days. Result for anti-oxidant serum analysis showed that for group 2, there was decrease in anti-oxidant parameters, but there was increased in the groups administered with Ceiba.P extract. Result for relative brain weight showed increase in group 2 compared to other, groups and group with the extract showed decreased. Histological results showed that the group administered with cadmium only showed abnormal appearance when compared to the control, while the group treated with Ceiba.P extract showed restoration of neurodegeneration and hypertrophy. The group administered with high dose of Ceiba.P extract showed more preservation. In conclusion, Ceiba pentandra was seen to be a potent anti-oxidant agent in counteracting the resultant aberrations of oxidative stress caused by cadmium induced toxicity