Neuroprotective Effects of Vitamin E on Cortical Neuronal Morphology in Lead-Exposed Wistar Rats: Relevance to Environmental Lead Exposure in Zamfara State

Lead poisoning represents a major public health crisis in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria, following extensive artisanal gold mining activities that have contaminated soil, water, and food with high concentrations of lead. Neuroanatomical consequences of heavy lead exposure include cortical neuronal loss, astrogliosis, and dendritic retraction. Vitamin E, a potent lipid-soluble antioxidant, has demonstrated neuroprotective potential in experimental models of heavy metal neurotoxicity. This study aims to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Vitamin E supplementation on cortical neuronal morphology in lead-exposed Wistar rats. Forty rats will be divided into control, lead-only, Vitamin E-only, and lead plus Vitamin E groups. Lead acetate will be administered in drinking water at 100 parts per million for eight weeks, while Vitamin E supplementation (50 milligrams per kilogram body weight) will be given daily by gavage. Cortical sections from the frontal lobe will be processed for haematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining. Neuronal density, nuclear diameter, cytoplasmic Nissl substance integrity, and cortical layer thickness will be quantified stereologically. The study anticipates demonstrating partial or complete neuroprotection by Vitamin E, providing experimental support for its use as an adjunctive intervention in lead-exposed communities.

Keywords: lead neurotoxicity, Vitamin E, cortical neurons, neuroprotection, Zamfara