ABSTRACT

Nickel Chloride exposure poses significant risks to neurological health as a result of its neurotoxic properties. Citicoline a precursor for the synthesis of neuronal plasma membrane phospholipids, including enhancement of structural integrity and signaling for cell membranes; supporting acetylcholine synthesis; and the synthesis of betaine, a methyl donor. This study was aimed at investigating the possible neuroprotective activity of Citicoline in the cerebellum of wistar rats exposed to NiCl₂. In this study, Fourty Two (42) Wistar rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups of seven (7) rats each. Group A was control group . Group B  NiCl₂ only at 5mg/kg body weight. Group C NiCl₂ at 5mg/Kg body weight and 250mg/kg body weight of Citicoline. Group D NiCl₂ at 5mg/Kg body weight and 500mg/kg body weight of Citicoline. Group E 250mg/kg body weight of Citicoline only. Group F 500mg/Kg body weight of Citicoline only. Citicoline was administered orally and  NiCl₂ administered intra-peritoneally. For the treated groups, Citicoline was administered an hour after rats were exposed to NiCl₂ for the 28 days. Thereafter Neurobehavioural activities was observed using Open field test, String and Movement Initiation Test, Following the sacrifice of the experiemental rats, the cerebellum was extracted for analysis of SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH and MDA, histological assessment and molecular docking of citicoline against Casapase-3 apoptosis and NRF-2. This study reveal a significant decrease (p<0.05)  in weight change, some OPF parameters, latency to grip loss, SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH and a degenerating Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of rats administered NiCl₂ only. As well as an increase in some OPF parameter, MDA and MIT Moreover post-treatment with citicoline mitigate the adverse effects induced by NiCl₂. Suggesting Citicoline exerting antioxidant properties and as a promising neuroprotective agent . Consequently this study offers novel insights into the role of citicoline and it’s research evidence as a neuroprotective agent.