Evaluation of the effect of aflatoxin B1 on neuronal differentiation and hippocampal development in rats

Aflatoxin B1 has harmful effects on the nervous-cerebral system. Therefore, in this study the effects of Aflatoxin B1 on the development of the hippocampus of neonatal rats were investigated. After the preparation of Aflatoxin B1, 18 pregnant female Wistar rats with an average weight of 85±10 g were used. Animals were divided into three groups: sham (receiving sesame oil as a solvent of Aflatoxin B1), Aflatoxin B1 and Healthy control. According to the results of immunohistochemical studies, Aflatoxin B1 treated groups showed a statistically significant decrease in Ki-67 and NeuN expression compared to the control group (P <0.01). While the expression level of the GFAP in comparison with the control group had a statistically significant increase (P <0.01). On the other hand, a significant decrease in the expression of NeuN and Ki-67 proteins and an increase in the expression of GFAP were observed, which were confirmed by observations from fluorescent immunohistochemical imaging. Aflatoxin B1 disrupts neuronal differentiation and increases brain damage by disrupting the activity and expression of vital proteins in the hippocampus, which was demonstrated by a sharp decrease in NeuN and an increase in GFAP.