Neuroanatomical Effects of Long-Term Alcohol Consumption on Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Density in Male Wistar Rats

Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with cerebellar ataxia, tremor, and gait instability attributable to progressive Purkinje cell loss. The cerebellum, with its highly organised laminar architecture and dense Purkinje cell population, is particularly vulnerable to ethanol neurotoxicity through oxidative stress and direct cytotoxic mechanisms. Alcohol use disorders are increasingly prevalent in Nigeria, particularly among young adults in urban centres, yet experimental neuroanatomical data on cerebellar damage in a Nigerian-relevant model are scarce. This study aims to quantify Purkinje cell density in the cerebellar cortex of male Wistar rats subjected to long-term voluntary alcohol consumption at doses representative of moderate and heavy human alcohol intake over 16 weeks. Cresyl violet and haematoxylin and eosin stained sections through the cerebellar cortex will be evaluated for Purkinje cell density, nuclear pyknosis, and axonal torpedoes. Stereological analysis using the optical fractionator method will provide unbiased Purkinje cell population estimates. Motor function will be assessed by rotarod performance testing prior to sacrifice to establish behavioural-histological correlations. Findings are expected to quantify the relationship between alcohol dose, duration, and Purkinje cell loss, contributing neuroanatomical data relevant to alcohol-related cerebellar disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Purkinje cells, cerebellum, alcohol, neuroanatomy, stereology