ABSTRACT This 21-day study determined the ameliorative effects of vitamin C on methamphetamine-induced (Meth-induced) oxidative stress and neurobehavioral changes in adolescent male Wistar rats. A total of 35 rats were randomly divided into 7 groups of 5 rats each (Groups A – G). Groups A (control) received normal rat feed and water, while groups B and C received 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg body weight of Meth, respectively. Group D and E received 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg body weight of vitamin C, respectively. Group F received 5 mg/kg body weight of Meth + 300 mg/kg body weight of vitamin C, and G received 10 mg/kg body weight of Meth + 600 mg/kg body weight of vitamin C. Twentyfour hours after the last administration and neurobehavioral tests, the rats were anesthetized under chloroform vapor and sacrificed for the collection of tissue and blood sample for biochemical analysis. Oxidative stress markers and enzyme activities were evaluated using standard commercial kits. The results showed statistically significant reduction in body weight, which was ameliorated by vitamin C administration. Improvements in cognitive function and oxidative stress parameters were also observed in the co-treatment groups, underscoring the antioxidant and hepato-protective potentials of vitamin C against Meth-induced toxicity.
Abugu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.