Vitamin C and E Abrogate Myelin, Oligodendrocyte and Inflammatory Markers of Rohypnol Exposed Amygdala in Adult Rats

Abstract

Rohypnol, scientifically known as flunitrazepam, is a potent benzodiazepine medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of severe insomnia and as a pre-anesthetic medication. However, its reputation has been tarnished by its misuse as a recreational drug and its association with drug-facilitated crimes, particularly sexual assault. However, its potent sedative effects can lead to memory impairment, loss of motor coordination, and respiratory depression, especially when combined with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. This study aims to investigate and establish the mechanism and novel potential of vitamins C and E on the myelin, oligodendrocytes, and inflammatory markers of the Rohypnol-exposed amygdala. Twenty-five male adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups: the control group was exposed to normal grower mesh and water, 1 mg/kg of Rohypnol, 1 mg/kg of Rohypnol + 100 mg/kg of vitamin C, 1 mg/kg of Rohypnol + 100 mg/kg of vitamin E, and 1 mg/kg of Rohypnol + 100 mg/kg of vitamins C and E, and the test groups were exposed for 28 days. In the last three days of exposure, neurobehavioural tests were conducted. Animals were euthanized, and their hearts were flushed with saline 24 hours later after the last exposure. The brains were harvested by making an occipitofrontal incision for biochemical and histological assessment. The fixation was done in 10% neutral buffered formalin for 48 hrs following the brain mapping to isolate the brain tissue of interest. The vitamin C- and E-exposed rats showed significant (p<=0.05) progressive improvement in their behaviors, including the oxidative stress markers, when compared to the control. In conclusion, this study has shown that good antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are very much effective as neuroprotective agents and thus have great antioxidant ameliorative properties for the Rohypnol-induced amygdala of the Wistar rats.