The Effect of Oral Aluminium Chloride (AlCl3) Induction on Brain Weight and Memory Function in Ovariectomized White Rats

Objective: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, leading to dementia and severe cognitive decline. Menopause-induced hypoestrogenism is a known risk factor for cerebral atrophy and memory impairment. Additionally, environmental neurotoxins, such as aluminum (Al), are suspected etiologies in AD pathogenesis. Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the neurotoxic effects of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on brain weight and spatial memory in a hypoestrogenic rat model. Method: We employed a post-test only control group design using 18 female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). The subjects were categorized into six groups: Control (K1), ovariectomy (OVX/K2), AlCl3 induction only (K3), and three treatment groups combining OVX with oral AlCl3 doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW/day (K4, K5, K6). The treatment duration was 6 weeks. Spatial memory was assessed using the Morris Water Maze (MWM) during the final 5 days. Results: Multivariate analysis (MANOVA) revealed no significant effect across groups (Roy’s Largest Root: 0.000). Post-hoc analysis showed sporadic differences only on days 1 and 3, which were inconsistent. Furthermore, a comparative study of brain weight showed no statistically significant difference among the groups (p = 0.176). Conclusion: No statistically significant changes in brain weight or memory function were observed in the ovariectomized white rats following the induction of oral AlCl3.