Flunitrazepam Misuse Causes Purkinje Cell Degeneration: An Experimental Study in Rats

Flunitrazepam (FPAM), a sedative and anxiolytic drug, is abused as a recreational substance. However, it is known to be neurotoxic, affecting diverse brain regions. This study examined its histological effect on the cerebellar cortex. Twenty male Wistar rats, divided into four groups of five, consisting of a control and three FPAM-treated groups, were employed. After 14 days of administration of 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg per kg body weight, respectively, of FPAM. Histological results showed a dose-dependent degeneration of Purkinje cells (Pn) characterised by vacuolation and nuclei shrinkage. With a Pn-based scale, a semi-quantitative evaluation revealed the proportion of degenerating Pn using a microscope with 15 mm (eyepiece number) and an objective of x 40, per 10-1mm 2 were 4, 6, and 9 respectively, which were significantly different from control (p< 0.05, P< 0.001, and p< 0.001, respectively). The findings revealed that FPAM use had a twofold degenerative tendency in the cerebellar cortex between low and high dosages, indicating potentially harmful implications in FPAM addiction.