Effect of Sodium Nitrite on the cerebellar cortex and the possible role of Quercetin in adult male albino rats

The cerebellum is particularly vulnerable to intoxication and poisoning due to its complex structure. Sodium Nitrite is commonly used as a food additive, as well as in fertilizers and rodenticides. Quercetin, a widely distributed flavonoid in nature, has been investigated for its potential protective effects. This research aimed to evaluate the histological and biochemical changes in the cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rats resulting from Sodium Nitrite exposure, and to assess the protective role of Quercetin and the reversibility of these changes after stopping Sodium Nitrite. Fifty-four healthy adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: I) Control group, II) Sodium Nitrite treated group, III) Sodium Nitrite and Quercetin treated group, and IV) Withdrawal group. Tissue sections from the cerebellar cortex were stained with H&E and examined microscopically and ultrastructurally. Expression levels of GFAP and Caspase 3 in the cerebellar tissue were assessed immunohistochemically, while MDA and SOD levels were measured. The results showed that Sodium Nitrite significantly disrupted cerebellar tissue structure, leading to increased expression of GFAP and Caspase 3. Quercetin supplementation alleviated apoptosis in the cerebellar tissue and reduced the expression of both GFAP and Caspase 3. The withdrawal group exhibited only slight improvement. In conclusion, Quercetin supplementation effectively alleviated cerebellar neurotoxicity induced by Sodium Nitrite while recovery after discontinuation of Sodium Nitrite was limited.