Effect of Mephedrone Exposure During Gestation on the Morphometrical Parameters of the Cerebellum in the Balb/C Mouse Offsprings

Background: Addiction, particularly to synthetic stimulants like mephedrone, poses significant challenges for both treatment and societal health. Mephedrone, a cathinone derivative, is increasingly misused and has been shown to affect brain function. While the neurotoxic effects of mephedrone are well-documented in adolescents, limited research exists on its effects during pregnancy, particularly on cerebellar development in offspring. Objectives: This study examines the effect of mephedrone exposure during gestation on the morphometrical parameters of the cerebellum in Balb/C mouse offspring. Methods: In this experimental study, 10 one-day-old male mouse pups were divided into a control and an experimental group, whose mothers received daily subcutaneous mephedrone injections (50 mg/kg) from days 5 to 18 of pregnancy. Cerebellar tissue from the pups was processed and stained with cresyl violet, and cerebellar layers and cell characteristics were assessed using histological methods. Results: A significant reduction was observed in the thickness of the outer granular, molecular, Purkinje, and inner granular layers compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in white matter (WM) thickness, cell counts, or Purkinje cell morphology, including their area, perimeter, or diameters. Conclusions: Exposure to mephedrone during pregnancy resulted in altered cerebellar development in mouse pups, specifically reducing the thickness of cerebellar layers.