Effects of Soot Particulate Matter Inhalation on the Cerebral Cortex in Male Wistar Rats

Background: Burning fossil fuels releases hazardous pollutants, including soot (carbon particulate matter), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx).The cerebral cortex, a critical region for cognitive function, is particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins due to its high metabolic activity.This study investigated the neurotoxic effects of inhaled soot particulate matter on the cerebral cortex of male Wistar rats.Methods: Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups (n=8 per group).Group A served as the unexposed control, while Groups B, C, and D were exposed to varying concentrations of soot (1.2210.169mg/m, 1.2900.214mg/m, and 1.2820.235mg/m, respectively) for 28 days.Brain