To Evaluate the Toxic Effects of Lithium Carbonate on Granule Cells Count of Rat Cerebellum

Abstract

Aim: To study the damaging effect of chronic ingestion of 20 mg/kg body weight/OD of lithium carbonate on cerebellargranule cells. Methods: However, there is scanty documented information about the cerebellar toxicities of lithium carbonate on granule neurons. Therefore the present study is designed to observe the microscopic changes of granule neurons in rat cerebellum. For this experimental study 20 animals were used, they were divided into two groups, each comprising of 10 animals. Results: Group-A received normal lab diet and water ad libitum while group B received lithium carbonate 20 mg/kg/OD for 2 weeks and 6 weeks respectively. Micrometry was done on granule cells count. Conclusion: Highly significant changes of granule cells count were observed even at therapeutic doses. Lithium carbonate causes oxidant injury to granule neuronal cells in rat cerebellum. Keywords: Oxidant injury, Cerebellar degeneration, Incoordination,