Nicotine mediated microcystic oedema in white matter of cerebellum: possible relationship to postural imbalance

BACKGROUND: Nicotine is heavily used addictive drug that has unpleasant side- effects, e.g. dizziness, nausea, emphysema. PURPOSE: The current study was designed to find the possible relationship of nicotine mediated microcystic oedema in white matter of cerebellum to postural imbalance. METHODS: Nicotine was administered for 8 weeks orally via cannula, using dose rate (5 mg/day, 10 mg/day) to male drukrey rats. The results were compared to control adult rats, given vehicle in identical manner. After 8 weeks exposure, the cerebellum was removed and processed for histopathologic study. RESULTS: The cellular microcystic change with interstitial oedema was found in white core of cerebellum of rat received 10 mg/kg of nicotine. Cytoplasmic vacuolation was also observed in most areas of cerebellum. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the mature adult cerebellum is susceptible to the damaging effects of nicotine in depleting white core of cerebellum.