Ascorbic acid ameliorates lead-induced apoptosis in the cerebellar cortex of developing rats

We investigated the effects of the gestational administration of lead (Pb) and ascorbic acid on cerebellar development. Pregnant female rats were randomly assigned to the control, Pb, or Pb plus ascorbic acid (PA) groups; six offspring per cage were randomly selected for analysis. Compared to the control group, fewer Purkinje cells were observed in the Pb-exposed pups at postnatal day 21. However, co-administrating Pb and ascorbic acid inhibited...