RESISTANCE OF PIRIFORM CORTEX NEURONS TO CHOLESTASIS

Background. Cholestasis is bile stagnation which leads to bile components entering the bloodstream, causing toxic effects on various organs and systems, including the brain. It was of interest to study the impact of this pathology on neurons in the phylogenetically ancient piriform cortex of the rat brain. Objective. To evaluate the morphofunctional changes in the piriform cortex neurons of the rat brain during cholestasis and to compare them with previously established disturbances in neurons of the phylogenetically newer neocortex and transitional cortex. Material and methods. Neurons in the second and third layers of the piriform cortex of rats at various times after common bile duct ligation/transection or sham surgery (control) were examined. Histological, histochemical, morphometric, and statistical methods were used. Results. Moderate histological changes were detected in neurons of the second layer of the piriform cortex while no changes were detected in neurons of the third layer. Conclusions. Neurons of the phylogenetically ancient piriform cortex of the rat brain exhibit greater resistance to subhepatic cholestasis compared to neurons of the neocortex and intermediate cortex.