African journal of medicine and medical sciences 2012-12-01

Neurotoxic effects of administration of artemisinin combination therapy (artemether and quinine) and ascorbic acid on the cytoarchitecture of the cerebellum and trapezoid nuclei in adult rats.

A A Akinlolu, L S Kassim, M T Shokunbi

Index: Afr. J. Med. Med. Sci. 41 Suppl , 149-55, (2012)

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Abstract

This study investigated the neurotoxic effects of the combined intramuscular administration of Artemether (0.5 mg/kg/b.w.), Quinine (5.14 mg/kg/b.w.) and Ascorbic acid (0.21 mg/kg/b.w) on the cerebellum, trapezoid nuclei and behavioural functions in male Wistar rats for a period of seven days. Statistical analyses showed no significant differences between the average weight of the brain and cerebellum of the experimental group compared with the control group. All experimental rats showed normal histology on completion of the experimental procedures in comparison with control rats. Histological assessment of the cerebellum and trapezoid nuclei in all groups showed normal cytoarchitecture. All rats displayed normal balance and co-ordination. This study observed that the combined therapy regime over a seven day period did not cause neurohistopathological effects on the cytoarchitecture of the cerebellum and trapezoid nuclei indicating that the current therapeutic doses of Artemether combined with Quinine used in the treatment of malaria are probably safe.