Launaea taraxacifolia leaf extract protected against gamma radiation–induced haematological, behavioural and histological alterations in the hippocampus and cerebellum of rats

Abstract

Radiotherapy is used as treatment for brain tumours but the side effects of radiotherapy are associated with oxidative damage which antioxidants are expected to minimize. Launaea taraxacifolia leaf extract has been reported to possess antioxidant activity. The present study was carried out to investigate the possible protective role of the Launaea taraxacifolia ethanolic extract (EELT) against radiation-induced injury of rat brain. Thirty rats were divided into five groups of 6 each: control, propylene glycol, EELT 400 mg/kg, gamma radiation (5 Gy) and EELT 400 mg/kg plus gamma radiation (5 Gy). Radiation was administered as a single dose on 15th day, while all other administrations were given orally for 14 days. Behavioural tests were conducted on the 16th day after which rats were euthanized same day. Blood parameters and brain tissue were examined with regard to micro-anatomical parameters. Gamma radiation induced a 67% reduction of the WBC, 67% of lymphocytes, 81% of neutrophils and 95% of monocytes which were significant (p<0.05). Behavioural results showed that radiation caused a reduction in line crossing, rearing, forelimb grip and latency of geotaxis. Microscopically, radiation induced histological alterations in the cerebellum, dentate gyrus and cornu ammonis3. Pre-treatment with EELT 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the effect of radiation on the histological, haematological and, behavioural alterations. In conclusion, EELT demonstrated protective effects against radiation-induced haematological, behavioural and alteration of microanatomy of rat cerebellum and hippocampus.