Effects of Hydrogen Cyanide on the Cytoarchitecture of the Pontomedullary Junction of Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

The effect of hydrogen cyanide on the cytoarchitecture of the pontomedullary junction was
investigated and studied on Albino wister rats. Sixteen albino wister rats were obtained and
divided into four group (Group A, B, C, and D). The animals in group A served as the control
group which were given normal growers mashed and distal water only. Those in group B (low
dosage) received 150mg/kg of aqueous extract of sweet cassava each, morning and evening for
three weeks. Those in Group C(medium dosage) received 250mg/kg and Group D (High
dosage) were given 400mg/kg of aqueous extract of sweet cassava each, morning and evening
for three weeks. The animals were sacrificed after three weeks of administration and the whole
brain including the brain stem was harvested. The brain stem of different specimen at the
pontomedullary junction specifically were prepared histologically and photographs were taken
at magnification of X100 and X400. The photographs obtained showed degeneration and
disintegration of neuronal cells bodies, increase interneuronal vacuole and drastic reduction
in neuronal fibers in the experimental group as compared to the controlled group. Compared
with the controlled, the changes were dose depended. This shows that the chronic ingestion of
hydrogen cyanide is deleterious to the pontomedullary nuclei causing adverse effect on the
cochlear and vestibular system of an organism.