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. 2013 Nov;7(11):2555-8.
doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2013/6187.3610. Epub 2013 Nov 10.

Vigabatrin induced Cell loss in the Cerebellar Cortex of Albino Rats

Deepa Singh  1 , Sunder Lal Jethani  2 , Aksh Dubey  1
Affiliations

Vigabatrin induced Cell loss in the Cerebellar Cortex of Albino Rats

Deepa Singh et al. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Nov.

Abstract

Background: Vigabatrin is used as the drug of choice in resistant epilepsy and infantile spasms. Ataxia, tremors and abnormal gait have been frequently reported following the use of this drug, indicating an involvement of the cerebellum.

Objectives: The present study was designed to study the histopathological effects of Vigabatrin on the cerebellum of albino rats.

Material and methods: Albino Rats were divided into an experimental and a control group. Vigabatrin was administered intra-peritoneally to the experimental group in graded doses for a period of 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, rats were sacrificed and brains were dissected out. The cerebellum was separated and fixed. Slides were prepared for histological examination.

Results: Decreased cell counts in the cerebellar cortex secondary to toxic injury were found. Severity increased with increasing doses.

Interpretation and conclusion: Vigabatrin may be neurotoxic and should be used with caution, assessing cerebellar function at regular intervals.

Keywords: Albino rats; Cell loss; Cerebellum; GABA; Vigabatrin.

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Figures

[Table/Fig-1]:
[Table/Fig-1]:
Control group cerebellar cortex showing the three layers; ML: Molecular layer, PCL: Purkinje cell layer and GL: Granular cell layer. (H&E Stain X 200)
[Table/Fig-2]:
[Table/Fig-2]:
Control group cerebellar cortex showing myelinated axons of Purkinje cells (arrows) passing through the Granular layer (GL). (Modified Luxol Fast Blue Stain X200)
[Table/Fig-3]:
[Table/Fig-3]:
Cerebellar cortex of subgroup 2a showing decreased number of myelinated axons of Purkinje cells (arrows) passing through the Granular layer (GL). (Modified Luxol Fast Blue Stain X200)
[Table/Fig-6]:
[Table/Fig-6]:
Control cerebellar cortex showing Purkinje cells (arrow). (Beilschowsky’s Silver Stain X400)
[Table/Fig-7]:
[Table/Fig-7]:
Cerebellar cortex of subgroup 2c showing marked decrease in number of Purkinje cells and increased distance between two cells (Beilschowsky’s Silver Stain X400)
[Table/Fig-8]:
[Table/Fig-8]:
Control cerebellar cortex showing Purkinje cells (arrow). (H&E Stain X400)
[Table/Fig-9]:
[Table/Fig-9]:
Cerebellar cortex of subgroup 2c showing complete loss of Purkinje cells in the field. (H&E Stain X400)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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