The potential neuroprotective effect of apigenin on cerebellar cortex alterations in valproic acid-induced autism model of male albino rat pups: a histological and immunohistochemical study.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with challenges in establishing and sustaining social relationships and communication. Apigenin (AP) is a natural flavonoid with numerous valuable effects on brain disorders. The current study emerged to study the cerebellar histopathological changes in valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism in male albino rat pups and assess the possible neuroprotective role of AP in minimizing these alterations. Forty male albino rat pups were categorized randomly into four equal groups: control group, AP group administered AP (250 mg/kg/day orally) from postnatal days (PND)14 to PND 40, VPA group received single subcutaneous injection of VPA (400 mg/kg) on PND14 and VPA+AP group were injected with VPA, then received AP at the identical dosage and approach as the preceding groups. Shrunken Purkinje cells with dark heterochromatic nuclei, neuropil vacuolation, and myelin sheath deformities were reported on VPA administration. A significant rise in cerebellar immune expression of GFAP, p-Tau and nestin. Also, a significant reduction in the duration of sniffing, line crossing, and rearing was recorded. Additionally, a decline of glutathione peroxidase, serotonin and the rise of malondialdehyde and IL-1β levels were recorded in cerebellar homogenate. The co-treatment of AP with VPA significantly rescued these histological alterations and reinstated antioxidant equilibrium.