Nicotine mediated microcystic oedema in white matter of cerebellum: possible relationship to postural imbalance

BACKGROUND Nicotine is heavily used addictive drug that has unpleasant side- effects, e.g. dizziness, nausea, emphysema. PURPOSE The current study was designed to find the possible relationship of nicotine mediated microcystic oedema in white matter of cerebellum to postural imbalance. METHODS Nicotine was administered for 8 weeks orally via cannula, using dose rate (5 mg/day, 10 mg/day) to male drukrey rats. The results were compared to control adult rats, given vehicle in identical manner. After 8 weeks exposure, the cerebellum was removed and processed for histopathologic study. RESULTS The cellular microcystic change with interstitial oedema was found in white core of cerebellum of rat received 10 mg/kg of nicotine. Cytoplasmic vacuolation was also observed in most areas of cerebellum. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the mature adult cerebellum is susceptible to the damaging effects of nicotine in depleting white core of cerebellum.