Structural Changes in the Rat Hippocampus during Alcohol Intoxication and at Abstinence; Protective Effects of Taurine

Hippocampal neurons are characterized by high sensitivity to acute and chronic alcohol intoxication. The aim of our study was to characterize changes in the cellular organization in different areas of the rat hippocampus after long-lasting alcohol intoxication and at abstinence and also to test possible protective effects of an amino acid, taurine. Under the influence of 15% ethanol (drinking liquid), degenerative changes in neurons and gliocytes (poorly visible processes, chromatolysis, changes in the shape and dimension of the neurons, pyramidal cells in particular, swollen granule cells) and a decrease in the neuronal density within practically all hippocampal areas were observed. These modifications were to a considerable extent preserved after abstinence from alcohol consumption. In rats treated with taurine, relapse (positive) changes in the neuronal structure and an increase in phosphatase activity (a sign of intensified metabolism) in the hippocampus were found. The results indicate that taurine can exert a clear neuroprotective effect on cellular structures in the rat hippocampus under conditions of alcohol intoxication.