Aim: Histomorphological effect of ascorbic acid on mercury exposure on temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex of Adult Wistar rats was investigated.

Methods: Twenty five adult Wistar rats of average weight of 185 grams were randomly divided into five groups of five rats per group namely; a control group

administered with normal saline, a mercuric chloride only group (HgCl2; 49.8mg/kg), HgCl2 with distilled water group, HgCl2 with low dose Vitamin C group (595mg/kg) and, HgCl2 with high dose Vitamin C (1,190mg/kg) group. The animals were orally administered with concentrations of mercuric chloride and ascorbic acid daily for three weeks each.

Results: Histological result showed normal architecture in the control Group while histological changes involving necrosis, clumping of cells, reduction in the number of cells and vacuolation of cells were observed in experimental Groups.

Conclusion: Ascorbic acid administration has been shown to ameliorate induced degenerative changes in the temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex caused by mercury exposure in Adult Wistar rats.

 

Key words: Mercuric Chloride, Temporal lobe, Ascorbic acid