Microscopic anatomy of the subcommissural organ in the brain of the adult greater cane rat (Rodentia: Thryonomyidae).

The subcommissural organ (SCO) is a well-developed gland present in the brain of vertebrates. The SCO secretes glycoproteins into the circulating cerebrospinal fluid and these assemble to form Reissner's fibre. It also plays an important function in neurogenesis and axonal guidance during embryogenesis. This study delves into the microscopic anatomy of the SCO in the adult greater cane rat (GCR), shedding light on its histoarchitectural characteristics. By utilizing histological techniques and microscopic analysis, we investigated the SCO's location and cellular composition within the brain of adult GCR. Our findings showed that the SCO in this species is located ventrally to the posterior commissure (PC) and dorsally to the third ventricle. The SCO consists of specialized ependymal or nuclear cell layer and apical processes lining the third ventricle. Moreover, the SCO's proximity to the PC and the third ventricle highlights its strategic position within the brain's ventricular system. With immunohistochemical analyses, the SCO cells expressed glial fibrillary protein when immunolabelled with Glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) antibody, a marker for astrocytes/astrocytic-like cells. Few microglia-like cells were immuno-positive for Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) antibody, that are existing within the SCO. However, the SCO in the GCR showed a negative immunostaining to NeuN antibody. This study contributes to our understanding of the microscopic anatomy of the SCO in a lesser-studied mammalian species. Further research into the SCO's functional significance especially during development in the GCR, may hold promise for more insights into neurological health and pathology.

Morphological and morphometrical studies on the tongue of the juvenile cattle egret (Bulbucus ibis).

Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a cosmopolitan heron species, with least concern conservation status. There are limited literatures on the anatomy of this bird, especially in relation to its sensory organs, hence we here investigated the gross morphological and histomorphometric features of its tongue. The tongues of twelve healthy juvenile cattle egrets were examined in situ for morphological appearance and gross morphometric measurements were determined ex situ. Routine histology was conducted on the tongue tissue with parameters such as epithelial and lamina propia heights, lingual muscle and entoglossal cartilage heights evaluated. Grossly, the tongue was divided into three parts name; apex, body and the root. It was arrow shaped, conforming to the shape of the beak, with a laryngeal mound bounded caudally by the pharyngeal papillae at its root. A massive entoglossal cartilage formed the core of the cranial apex, ventral body portion, and caudal aspect of the root. Histologically, the lingual mucosa possessed keratinized squamous epithelium in all its divisions, with spinous conical papillae being characteristic of the cranial apical mucosa. The body lingual mucosa possessed foliate papillae on the dorsal aspects, while filiform papillae were prominent in the ventral portions. The lingual root uniquely possessed numerous glandular ducts in its lamina propia as well as localized adipocytes. Overall, the regression analysis data showed that the body weight can be conveniently predicted from tongue parameters. This study has thus provided additional knowledge on the anatomy of the birds and the generated data could prove useful in comparative regional anatomy.

Tramadol and Codeine Stacking/Boosting Dose Exposure Induced Neurotoxic Behaviors, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Neurotoxic Genes in Adolescent Mice.

In spite of the increasing epidemic of pharmaceutical opioids (codeine and tramadol) misuse and abuse among the adolescents, little is known about the neurotoxic consequences of the widespread practice of tramadol and codeine abuse involving increasing multiple doses across days, referred to as stacking and boosting. Hence, in this study, we replicated stacking and boosting doses of tramadol, codeine alone, or in combination on spontaneous motor activity and cognitive function in adolescent mice and adduced a plausible mechanism of possible neurotoxicity. Ninety-six adolescent mice were randomly distributed into 4 groups (n = 24 per group) and treated thrice daily for 9 days with vehicle, tramadol (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg), codeine (40, 80, or 160 mg/kg), or their combinations. Exposure of mice to tramadol induced hyperactivity and stereotypic behavior while codeine exposure caused hypoactivity and nootropic effect but tramadol-codeine cocktail led to marked reduction in spontaneous motor activity and cognitive function. In addition, tramadol, codeine, and their cocktail caused marked induction of nitroso-oxidative stress and inhibition of mitochondrial complex I activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and midbrain (MB). Real-time PCR expression profiling of genes encoding neurotoxicity (RT) showed that tramadol exposure upregulate 57 and downregulate 16 neurotoxic genes, codeine upregulate 45 and downregulate 25 neurotoxic genes while tramadol-codeine cocktail upregulate 52 and downregulate 20 neurotoxic genes in the PFC. Findings from this study demonstrate that the exposure of adolescents mice to multiple and increasing doses of tramadol, codeine, or their cocktail lead to spontaneous motor coordination deficits indicative of neurotoxicity through induction of oxidative stress, inhibition of mitochondrial complex I activity and upregulation of neurotoxicity encoding genes in mice.

Some Aspects of Neuromorphology, and the Co-localization of Glial Related Markers in the Brains of Striped Owl (Asioclamator) from North East Nigeria.

The striped owl (Asioclamator) is unique with its brownish white facial disc and they are found in the north eastern part of Nigeria. Little is known in the literature on the basic neuroanatomy of this species. This study focuses on the histology and glial expression of some brain regions of the striped owl. Five owls were obtained in the wild, and their brains were routinely prepared for Haematoxylin and Eosin, and Cresyl violet staining. Immunostaining was done with anti-Calbindin, anti MBP, anti-GFAP, and anti-Iba-1 antibodies; for the expression of cerebellar Purkinje cells and white matter, cerebral astrocytes and microglia cells respectively. These were qualitatively described. We found that the hippocampal formation of the striped owl, though unique, is very similar to what is seen in mammals. The cerebellar cortex is convoluted, has a single layer of Purkinje cells with profuse dendritic arborization, a distinct external granular cell layer, and a prominent stem of white matter were seen in this study. The astrocytic population in cerebral gray is similar, though lacking in many processes as is typical in protoplasmic astrocytes, while the microglia were not strongly stained. The few stained microglia cells did not, however, show any features of activation. The striped owl's brain reveals some conserved aspects of cellular neuroanatomy in both the avian and mammals that are typical in these species. More work is however needed particularly in age related differences in these structures. This is perhaps the first report of Calbindin immunostaining in the brain of the striped owl.

A possible case of renal oxalate deposit reported in an African fruit bat (Epomops franqueti).

We report a possible spontaneous case of oxalate nephrosis in an African fruit bat (Epomops franqueti), incidentally observed in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria, in an anatomical and serological survey of the species. Wild caught bats underwent sedation, intracardial perfusion, necropsy and histopathology. All 15 wild-caught African fruit bats were apparently healthy. However, light microscopy revealed mild oligofocal tubulonephrosis with intraluminal deposition of polarizing crystals interpreted as subclinical oxalate nephrosis in one case. In summary, we suggest a dietary aetiology, based on seasonal availability of high ascorbic acid or oxalate containing fruits. However, exposure to anthropogenic contaminants cannot be completely ruled out.

Novel NMDA-receptor antagonists ameliorate vanadium neurotoxicity.

Various NMDA-receptor antagonists have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease with memantine shown to be safe and with relative efficacy. There is, however, need to develop novel drugs to counter tolerance and with better efficacy in ameliorating neurodegeneration. We have shown neurodegeneration in different models of vanadium-exposed mice. This study was designed to evaluate and ascertain the potency of three novel NMDA-receptor antagonists (Compounds A, B and C) to ameliorate neurodegeneration in vanadium-exposed mice. One-month-old mice (n = 6) received sterile water (control) and another group (n = 6) was treated with vanadium (3 mg/kg sodium metavanadate) intraperitoneally for 1 month. Three other groups (n = 6) received vanadium and compounds A, B and C (4.35 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively) simultaneously for the same period. Assessment of pathologies and neurodegeneration in different brain regions was done to test the ameliorative effects of the 3 antagonists using different immunohistochemical markers. Vanadium exposure resulted in reduced calbindin expression and pyknosis of Purkinje cells, cell loss and destruction of apical dendrites with greater percentage of cytoplasmic vacuolations, morphological alterations characterized by cell clustering and multiple layering patterns in the Purkinje cell layer. In addition, the observed degeneration included demyelination, increased GFAP-immunoreactive cells and microgliosis. Simultaneous administration of the compounds to vanadium-exposed mice resulted in the preservation of cellular integrity in the same anatomical regions and restoration of the cells' vitality with reduced astroglial and microglial activation.

The Foetal Anatomy and Allantoic Placenta of An African Fruit Bat (Epomops franqueti).

Bats and human biological structures are believed to be similar in terms of phylogeny, reproductive biology, and early development. Adequate knowledge of placental morphology will have important implications for research and in comparative anatomy. This report is a part of on-going studies on the African fruit bat species and is a case report from an incidental discovery of the foetus and placenta in an African fruit bat (Epomops franqueti) captured for research.

Haematological Studies and Micronucleus Assay of Straw-Coloured Fruit Bats (Eidolon helvum).

The straw-coloured fruit bats (Eidolon helvum) are the most widely distributed megachiropteran species in Africa. Studies have shown that they migrate, and are likely exposed to environmental pollutants across population. This study was designed to investigate genotoxicity via the bone marrow micronucleus assay and haematological alterations of Eidolon helvum in the tropics. Healthy straw-coloured fruit bats (Eidolon helvum; n=20) were captured from two geographical regions, Ogun and Gombe States in Nigeria and were grouped based on sex and age.  Blood samples were collected for haematology and osmotic fragility, and bone marrow samples for genotoxicity studies. Results showed no significant differences in erythrocytes and leucocytes values across age and sex. The erythrocytes osmotic fragility was higher in juvenile than in adults at 0 and 0.1%NaCl, while it was higher in adult males than in adult females at 0 and 0.3% NaCl. The erythrocytes and leucocytes parameters in straw colored fruit bats were within the reference values seen in literature except the higher monocyte counts suggesting chronic inflammation. There were increased levels of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes and normochromatic erythrocytes in the straw-coloured fruit bats indicating genotoxicity and cytotoxicity, respectively. The present study provided baseline research data on the haematology and micronucleus profile of the straw-coloured fruit bats in Nigeria. This is perhaps the first study on haematology and micronucleus assay of in straw-colored fruit bats in the tropics.

Sexual Dimorphism in Osteometric Indices of Kuri Cattle Skulls.

This work investigated 30 skulls of the Kuri cattle comprising 15 males and 15 females, of three age groups, 10 young (9 months to less than 3 years), 10 middle aged (3 to 5 years) and 10 aged (greater than 5 years). The skulls were prepared using hot water maceration technique. Using Ruler, thread and divider; 59 Osteometric parameters were taken to determine sexual dimorphism, only 6 indices showed statistically significant differences between the sexes. These indices were maximum intercondylar width (MICW), right supraorbital foramen to interfrontal suture (ISRSOF), left supraorbital foramen to interfrontal suture (ISLSOF), lateral intercornual length (LICL), intertemporal line width (ITLW) and horn base circumference (HBC). The female had longer viscerocranial length (VCrL) both on the nasal and palatal aspects, but were wider in the male. The male had longer and wider neurocranium. The paracondylar process length (PCPL) was longer in the female, but the male had wider interparacondylar width (IPCW) and maximum intercondylar width (MICW) While the ISRSOF significant difference appeared only at the middle-age group at p<0.05, the ISLSOF did not differ significantly at any particular age group but only overall mean of all the three age groups (n=15) presented the difference significantly. The MICW showed significant difference (p<0.05) at two age groups; young and the middle-age. The LICL and ITLW values are highly significant (p<0.01) and the HBC value was also significant (p<0.05) all at the middle age. No significant difference was recorded between the two sexes in the aged Kuri cattle; indicating that the female tends to progressively increase in size beyond 5 years old thereby making these values insignificant from the male counterpart at old age. In conclusion, the middle-age Kuri cattle have the most sexually dimorphic osteometric landmarks in the skull with the male having higher values than the female. This data will be useful for anatomical, developmental, anthropological forensic and clinical studies, and form basis for comparison with other breeds of cattle.

Oligodendrocyte morphology in the developing brain of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse): Histology, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy.

Oligodendrocyte and myelin-related studies have been pivotal in understanding disruption of central nervous system (CNS) myelin through injury, toxicological, pathological degeneration or genetic intervention. The African giant rat (AGR) has been postulated as an indigenous wild-type model within the African context. This work thus describes oligodendrocyte morphologies and myelin components of the developing African giant rat brain using histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural techniques. Five types, precursor-progenitor oligodendrocytes, pre-oligodendrocytes, immature oligodendrocytes, mature non-myelinating oligodendrocytes and mature myelinating oligodendrocytes, were identified. The first four types were observed in neonates while juvenile and adult AGR had predominantly mature myelinating oligodendrocytes with evidence of myelin sheath deposition. All cell types identified showed positive CNPase-positive immunosignalling across all age groups. This suggests CNPase as a suitable, sensitive and reliable biomarker for studying CNS neurodegenerative/demyelinating disorders in the AGR. This baseline study has given detailed insight into the morphology of oligodendrocytes and myelin in the AGR. It may be useful for anatomical studies and detection of alterations in neurocellular profile of oligodendrocytes and myelin in the AGR in real-life or in experimental models.

Elliptical Fourier descriptors of outline and morphological analysis in caudal view of foramen magnum of the tropical raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) (Linnaeus, 1758).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate sexual-size dimorphism and attempt at categorization of inter-individual shapes of foramen magnum outlines using Fourier descriptors which allow for shape outline evaluations with a resultant specimen character definition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individual characterization and quantification of foramen magnum shapes in direct caudal view based on elliptical Fourier technique was applied to 46 tropical raccoon skulls (26 females, 20 males). RESULTS: Incremental number of harmonics demonstrates morphological contributions of such descriptors with their relations to specific anatomical constructions established. The initial harmonics (1st to 3rd) described the general foramen shapes while the second (4th to 12th) demonstrated fine morphological details. Sexual-size dimorphism was observed in females (87.1%) and 91.7% in males, normalization of size produces 75% in females and 83% in males. With respect to foramen magnum dimorphism analysis, the result obtained through elliptic Fourier analysis was comparatively better in detail information of outline contours than earlier classical methods. The first four effective principal components defined 70.63% of its shape properties while the rest (22.51%) constituted fine details of morphology. CONCLUSION: Both size and shape seems important in sexual dimorphisms in this species, this investigation suggest clinical implications, taxonomic and anthropologic perspectives in foramen characterization magnum characterization and further postulates an increased possibility of volume reduction cerebellar protrusion, ontogenic magnum shape irregularities in the sample population with neurologic consequences especially among females.

Changes in the brain antioxidant profile after chronic vanadium administration in mice.

Vanadium is known to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems. Exposure to vanadium has been linked to neurological defects affecting the central nervous system (CNS) early in life and culminates later to neurodegeneration. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of chronic vanadium exposure on antioxidant profile in mice, and progressive changes after withdrawal from treatment. A total of 85 male BALB/c mice (4 weeks old) were used for the experiment and were divided into three groups of vanadium exposed (3 mg/kg i.p at 3-18 months treatment), matched controls, and animals exposed to vanadium for three months and thereafter vanadium was withdrawn. Vanadium exposure caused significant increases (p<0.05) in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation and nitric oxide with a concomitant decrease (p<0.05) in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase and a decline in the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) after 6 months of vanadium exposure in the brain. This trend continued in all vanadium-exposed groups (9, 12, 15 and 18 months) relative to the matched controls. Withdrawal after 3 months of vanadium exposure significantly reversed oxidative stress in intoxicated mice from 9 to 15 months after vanadium withdrawal. We have shown that chronic administration of vanadium led to oxidative stress in the brain which is reversible only after a long period of vanadium withdrawal.

Morphological Characterization of the African Giant Rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse) Brain Across Age Groups: Gross Features of Cortices.

This experiment was designed to investigate the morphological characterization of the brain cortices of African giant rats, AGR (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse) across age groups as related to function. A total of 15 male AGR were used for this study comprising of 5 neonates, 5 juveniles and 5 adults. Brains were described as having typical rodent features; the falx cerebri, the dura modification of interest, was partly inserted between the lobes of the olfactory bulb and extended towards the corpus callosum. Gross parameters extrapolated include cerebral and cerebellar cortical dimensions using a oneway ANOVA (p≤0.05). Most values showed highest significant value bias for juveniles over adults and neonates.  The average brain weight was 5.60±0.06g, 4.64±0.17g and 0.62±0.08g; cortex volume: 2.84±0.04cm3, 3.16±0.10cm3 and 0.23±0.02cm3 and antero-posterior dimensions: 11.93±0.26mm, 14.54±0.22mm and 6.00±0.16mm for adult, juvenile and neonates respectively. There was however adult bias in the cerebellum weight (0.83±0.02g, 0.76±0.02g and 0.04±0.02g); vermis length (13.23±0.32mm, 11.27±0.014mm and 0.24±0.02mm) and the antero-posterior length values (8.79±0.19mm, 6.97±0.03mm and 0.29±0.01mm) for adults, juveniles and neonates AGR respectively. Cortical parameters were related as a function of the brain development and plasticity, while age was described to play functional roles in intelligence determination of the AGR. The result of this study will be useful as baseline information for post mortem studies, medical imaging and useful as diagnostic tool for future research work on the AGR brain.

A Review on the Possible Neuroprotective Effects of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract.

Moringa oleifera is an edible plant that has been reputed to be a miracle plant by numerous authors, with effects on practically every body system. Phytochemical analyses have demonstrated that the leaves are rich in various minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Its use in some continents dates back to Antiquity. Neurodegeneration are chronic diseases of the nervous system. There is currently an increase in the use of natural products to combat these debilitating diseases. So far, no suitable cure has been found, and conditions are managed and the symptoms treated. This article reviews the literature on the effects of Moringa oleifera leaves on the nervous system in vivo and in vitro.

Morphometric studies of the mandibular and maxillofacial regions of the Kuri cattle and the implications in regional anaesthesia.

This work investigated and analysed some morphometrical measurements of mandibles and maxillofacial regions of ten adult Kuri cattle (above 5 years) skulls that were apparently free from musculoskeletal deformity. A total of 19 (13 mandibular and 6 maxillofacial) parameters were taken. The mean mandibular length and height were found to be 41.3 ± 2.35 cm and 22.6 ± 1.40 cm, while the mean mental foramen height and width were 0.8 ± 0.08 cm and 1.5 ± 0.25 cm, respectively. The mean distances from lateral alveolar root to mental foramen and from the latter to the most caudal border of the mandible were 4.8 ± 0.61 cm and 34.2 ± 1.93 cm, respectively. The mean mandibular foramen width was 1.1 ± 0.14 cm, while the distance from this foramen to the caudal border of mandible at that level was 4.0 ± 0.32 cm. The mean distances from facial tuberoses to the infraorbital foramen and from the latter to the alveolar root ventral to it were 5.3 ± 0.63 cm and 3.7 ± 0.47 cm, whereas the mean infraorbital foramen height and width stood at 1.2 ± 0.18 cm and 1.0 ± 0.22 cm, respectively. The infraorbital foramens in 60% of the specimen were located above the first upper premolar, while 20% were above second premolar, and another 20% at the junction above first and second upper premolars. These findings provide important landmarks needed for clinical manoeuvres on the head of the Kuri cattle for regional anaesthesia in procedures like trephination, dehorning, tooth extraction and oral and dental surgeries.

Morphometrics of foramen magnum in African four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

The purpose of this study was to examine the morphometry of the foramen magnum of African four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) in Maiduguri. Fourteen hedgehog skulls (7 male and 7 female each) were used for this study. The overall mean value of foramen magnum height and width were 0.51 ± 0.05 cm and 0.64 ± 0.04 cm while occipital condylar and interparacondylar widths were 1.00 ± 0.12 cm and 1.62 ± 0.07 cm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two sexes. The foramen magnum index was 83.4 ± 5.51 cm in males and was significantly higher than 76.3 ± 6.37 cm observed in females. The presences of dorsal notches (occipital dysplasia) were observed, that were of three distinct types. It is envisaged, that the study will provide a valuable database on the anatomy of foramen magnum of hedgehogs in Nigeria for morphological, neurological, zooarchaeological, and comparative anatomical studies.

Spinal Cord Studies in the African Giant Rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse).

The African giant rat, AGR, is known for advantageous behavioural patterns among which are cognition and dexterous locomotion. This study investigated the morphological, morphometric and possible functional aspects of the AGR spinal cord (SC) anatomy. Ten adult (5 males and 5 females) AGR were used to determine the gross and histological features of the SC which were typically of rodent features. The mean SC weight and length given as 2.50±0.24g and 15.87±0.24cm respectively for the male and 2.32±0.16g and 15.40±0.61cm for the female showed no sexual dimorphism. A positive linear relationship between the tail length and SC weight were found in both sexes (r =0.81 males; r =0.95 females) suggesting significant contribution of the filum terminale to SC weight. Forty-three internal structures including nuclear aggregations and tracts were traced. Eight nuclear aggregations of neurons involved in nociception and limb coordination were observed to be prominent and larger than in laboratory rats. Same was noted for the dorsal, ventral and lateral funicular tracts which control the limbic system. This study provides morphometric baseline research information and delineates the functional aspects of the AGR SC anatomy. The information provided further strengthens the drive proposing the AGR as an indigenous research model for regional anaesthesia and locomotor disease.

The olfactory bulb structure of African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse 1840) I: cytoarchitecture.

The olfactory system typically consists of two parallel systems: the main olfactory system and the accessory olfactory system. The main olfactory bulb (MOB) acts as the initial processing site for volatile chemical stimuli and receives input from the olfactory receptor cells located in the olfactory epithelium. The African giant rat is reputed to have abilities to detect landmines and tuberculosis samples by sniffing. This study therefore is a preliminary study on the histological and immunohistochemical anatomy of the olfactory bulb of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse). Nissl and Klüver-Barrera histological staining of the olfactory bulb revealed a cytoarchitecture typical of most mammals with 6 cell layers, and 1-2-layered glomeruli measuring approximately 150 µm each in diameter. Immunohistochemical staining with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) revealed cellular conformations relative to most mammals. GFAP immunohistochemistry also revealed cell bodies and processes within the periglomerular area which may potentiate signaling from the olfactory receptor cells, while CNPase largely showed soma and evidence of myelin sheath deposition, confirming myelination at different layers of the bulb. Neurogenesis was examined using the neurogenic markers doublecortin (DCX) and Ki-67. Migration of newly generated cells was observed in all layers of the MOB with DCX and in most layers with Ki-67. The anatomy of the olfactory bulb is described as relatively large in the African giant rat, having a neuroarchitecture similar to most rodents.

Lactational Vitamin E Protects Against the Histotoxic Effects of Systemically Administered Vanadium in Neonatal Rats.

The work investigated the protective role of lactational vitamin E administration on vanadium-induced histotoxicity. Three groups of Wistar rats, with each group comprising of two dams and their pups, were used in this study. Group I pups were administered intraperitoneal injection of sterile water at volumes corresponding to the dose rate of the vanadium (sodium metavanadate) treated group from postnatal day (PND) 1-14 while those in Group II were administered intraperitoneal injection of 3mg/kg vanadium from PND 1-14. Group III pups were administered intraperitoneal injection of 3mg/kg vanadium while the dam received oral vitamin E (500 mg) concurrently every 72 hours. The results showed that group II pups exhibited histopathological changes which included seminiferous tubule disruption of the testes characterised by vacuolar degeneration and coagulative necrosis of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells with reduction in mitosis, and areas of interstitial thickening with fibroblast proliferation. In addition, the lungs showed disruption of the bronchiolar wall and denudation of the bronchiolar respiratory epithelium while the liver showed hydropic degeneration and coagulative necrosis of the centrilobular hepatocytes. These histotoxic changes were ameliorated in the vanadium + vitamin E group. We conclude that lactational vitamin E protects against the histotoxic effects of vanadium and could be a consideration for supplementation in the occupationally and environmentally exposed neonates. However, caution should be taken in vitamin E supplementation because there is still equivocal evidence surrounding its benefits as a supplement at the moment.