Effect of Formalin Inhalation on the Cerebellum of Adult Male Wistar Rat

Abstract

Humans are constantly exposed to chemicals from the environment through inhalation, some of which produce adverse health consequences. This research was done to evaluate the effect of formalin vapor inhalation on the cerebellum of male Wistar rats. Fourteen adult male Wister rats weighing 150-180g were divided into two groups of 7 rats each based on similarity of weight. Group A was the control group and received food and water. Groups B was exposed to 50ml of formalin for 5mins daily in an inhalation chamber for a period of 14 days. On day 15, the rats were weighed and subjected to neurobehavioral studies after which they were sacrificed. The cerebella of two rats from each group were fixed in Bouin’s fluid for histological studies. The brains of the remaining five rats were used for antioxidant studies. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and presented as Mean ± SD of 7 rats in each group. Values were significant at P≤0.05. Percentage increases in weight of rats were also calculated. Our results reveal that the animals in the experimental group were under oxidative stress as MDA levels were significantly higher in the group B compared to the control. There was significant increase in weight of rats across the two groups. However, the percentage of increase was lower in the experimental group B compared to the control. Results of the neurobehavioral studies reveal that there was significant reduction in the muscular strength of rats in the experimental group compared to the control. From our result, we can conclude that formalin vapor inhalation has neurodegenerative effects on the cerebellum of adult male Wistar rats.