Neurobehavioural and Histomorphologic Study of Mice Hippocampus Following Exposure to Rohypnol

Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam), a highly lipophilic benzodiazepine derivative, is commonly used in treating seizures and sleep disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the histomorphological changes in the hippocampus and the associated neurobehavioral effects on spatial memory in mice following exposure to Rohypnol. Forty adult mice, bred in the Animal House of the College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 per group). Group A served as the control, while Groups B, C, and D received Rohypnol at doses of 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 1.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Spatial memory was assessed using the Y-maze and Barnes maze tests. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, and results were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. Statistical significance was determined using ANOVA, with p ? 0.05 considered significant. Histological analysis revealed sparsely distributed glial cells within the neuropil, with congested capillaries and vacuolation of glial cells in the treatment groups compared to the control. Behavioural assessments indicated an increase in escape latency and head dips across all treated groups during the final exposure, alongside a significant decrease in alternation patterns in the Barnes maze, indicating impaired spatial memory. These findings suggest that Rohypnol may induce degenerative changes in the hippocampus, potentially impairing its function.

Key Words: behaviour, hippocampus, histology, Rohypnol