Tetracycline attenuates hippocampal and cerebellar damage in a weight-drop model of mild traumatic brain injury in adolescent rats: A candidate for drug repurposing?
https://doi.org/10.31549/2542-1174-2025-9-4-105-120
Abstract
Introduction. Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) represents a critical risk factor for disrupted neurodevelopment during adolescence, particularly affecting brain regions involved in cognition and motor function. Current treatments, which are mostly derived from adult studies, highlight a gap in addressing adolescent needs, warranting the need for targeted therapeutic strategies.
Aim. This study explores the potential neuroprotective effects of tetracycline in adolescent Wistar rats following mTBI, focusing on damage to the hippocampus and cerebellar cortex. mTBI poses a significant risk to brain development in adolescents.
Materials and methods . Fifteen rats were divided into three groups: a control group, an injury group only, and an injury group treated with tetracycline at a daily dose of 44,3 mg/kg body weight. mTBI was induced using a weight-drop method, and cognitive and motor functions were assessed through T-maze and beam-walking tests.
Results . Histological analysis using hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that untreated rats with mTBI showed significant neural degeneration and disrupted brain architecture, alongside impaired cognitive and motor performance. In contrast, rats treated with tetracycline exhibited reduced neuronal damage and improved performance, although not fully restored to control levels. The treatment also appeared to lower inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
Conclusion. These findings suggest that tetracycline has neuroprotective potential in adolescent rats with mTBI, supporting its consideration as a therapeutic target for drug repurposing.
About the Authors
F. A. Abaribote
Niger Delta University, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
Nigeria
Nigeria
Fiezibe Ambrose Abaribote – Bachelor of Science, Research Assistant
Bayelsa State, Wilberforce Island
F. Ch. Nwagor
Niger Delta University, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
Nigeria
Nigeria
Faithful Chris Nwagor – Bachelor of Science, Research Assistant
Bayelsa State, Wilberforce Island
G. O. Onyeke
Niger Delta University, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
Nigeria
Nigeria
Grace Ojoma Onyeke – Bachelor of Science, Research Assistant
Bayelsa State, Wilberforce Island
Ch. A. Oyinbo
Niger Delta University, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
Nigeria
Nigeria
Charles Aidemise Oyinbo – PhD, Associate Professor
Bayelsa State, Wilberforce Island
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Review
For citations:
Abaribote F.A., Nwagor F.Ch., Onyeke G.O., Oyinbo Ch.A. Tetracycline attenuates hippocampal and cerebellar damage in a weight-drop model of mild traumatic brain injury in adolescent rats: A candidate for drug repurposing? Journal of Siberian Medical Sciences. 2025;(4):105-120. https://doi.org/10.31549/2542-1174-2025-9-4-105-120
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