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ABSTRACT
Lead acetate exposure poses a significant threat to neurological health, particularly impacting the hippocampus, a vital brain region for learning and memory. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of zinc sulfate on hippocampal integrity in lead acetate-exposed Wistar rats. After purchase and acclimatization, thirty-six Wistar rats were weighed and divided into six groups of six rats each. Group A (Control) was administered 1ml of sterile water. Group B (Pb) was administered 100mg/kg body weight (BW) of Lead acetate only. Group C (Pb + ZS1) was administered 50mg/kg BW of Zinc sulphate and 100mg/kg BW of Lead acetate. Group D (Pb + Z2) was administered 100mg/kg BW of Zinc sulphate and 100mg/kg BW of Lead acetate. Group E (ZS1) was administered 50mg/kg BW of Zinc sulphate only. Group F (ZS2) was administered 100mg/kg BW of Zinc sulphate only. The administration, via an orogastric tube lasted for 28 days and rats were fed with standard rat chow and water throughout the study period. All Zinc administration pretreatment was done one hour before lead administration. Animals were weighed and neurobehavioral tests (Y-maze and NORT) were carried out. The rats were sacrificed for sample collection and the hippocampus was harvested for assessment of antioxidant activity and histological alterations. Findings showed that rats treated with lead acetate displayed impaired cognition and memory, disrupted antioxidant activities, elevated lipid peroxidation, and alterations to the hippocampal structure. However, pretreatment with Zinc Sulphate attenuated these effects. These results suggest that Zinc Sulfate exerts neuroprotective effects against lead-induced hippocampal damage, potentially through its antioxidant properties.
