Impact of the Exposure to Doxylamine on Oxidative Stress Parameters in Female Rats Prefrontal Cortex

Introduction: Doxylamine is a first generation widely used antihistamine for treating insomnia, colds and allergies. Doxylamine has been linked to potential neurotoxic effects. However, the potential neurotoxic effects, particularly on prefrontal cortex (PFC), remains poorly understood. As such, this study is conducted in order to determine the effect of prolonged administration of doxylamine on the prefrontal cortex of female wistar rats. Methodology: 15 Female Adult female wistar rats weighing 125g - 155g were procured. The rats were grouped into three (3) groups. Group 1-3 consist of five (5) female wistar rats each. Group 1 was administered with 0.5ml of phosphate buffer saline. Group 2 were administered 2mg/ kg of Doxylamine and Group 3 were administered 4mg/kg. Administration was orally through the use of an oral cannula for 4 weeks. The female wistar rats were sacrificed at the end of administration, with the use of cervical dislocation for biochemical analysis. Results: There was an increase in the body weight of female wistar rats administered 2mg/kg and 4mg/kg of Doxylamine and a decrease in brain weight of 2mg/kg and 4mg/kg of Female wistar rats compared to the control. The biochemical parameter Catalase (CAT) indicated an increase in the prefrontal cortex of female wistar rats, the biochemical parameter Gluthione Peroxidase (GPx) showed a decrease in the prefrontal cortex of female wistar rats while the biochemical parameter Lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) indicated that there's a decrease in the prefrontal cortex of female wistar rats. Discussion/Conclusion: From this study, we have been able to deduce that Doxylamine has an effect on the prefrontal cortex of the female wistar rats by causing an increase in the body weight and brain weight of the animals. Similarly, biochemical analysis Catalase (CAT) and a decrease in the biochemical analysis Gluthione Peroxidase (GPx) and Lactase dehydrogenase ( LDH).