Abstract

Background: The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex works synergistically to encode consolidate and organize information into memory networks. This research aims to evaluate the histomorphological changes in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in adult Wistar rats following the administration of tadalafil, a medication used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and benign prostate hypertrophy. 


Materials and Methods: Fifteen adult Wistar rats, 130-180g in weight, were selected for the study and randomized into 3 groups. Group A, known as the control group, received only feed and water ad libitum. Groups B and C received 10 mg / kg and 20 mg / kg of tadalafil per body weight, respectively for 42 days. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the rats were excised for histological and biochemical analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the results were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. Differences in mean values were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with a significance level set at p<0.05.


Results: Tadalafil treatment did not alter the histomorphological features of the prefrontal cortex; however, there was evidence of increased blood flow. The oxidative stress assay revealed no significant changes in catalase (CAT) and acetyl cholinesterase (ACH) concentrations for treated rats compared to control. The hippocampal examination showed unique features such as giant pyramidal cells and the dentate gyrus (DG) with granular cells. The glia cells were sparsely distributed and the capillaries exhibited epithelial cells and the basal lamina. Hippocampal oxidative stress analysis indicated no significant alterations in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), but a decrease in CAT and ACH, coupled with an increase in MDA concentrations.


Conclusion: Tadalafil administration did not alter structure of hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in adult Wistar rat


Keywords: Tadalafil, Hippocampus, Prefrontal cortex, Rat