Photomicrograph of the rat cerebral cortex in different experimental groups. Control group consisting of pia matter (arrow), molecular layer (1), outer granular layer (2), outer pyramidal layer (3), inner granular layer (4), inner pyramidal layer (5) and multiform layer (6). MnCl2-treated group showing vaculation (V) in the neuropil. Most of the neurons and neuroglial cells had pkynotic nuclei (*) and lost their processes. The use of ALA and/or Spirulina along with MnCl2 revealed improvement in nerve cells in many areas. Pyramidal cells (P), Granular cells (G), Oligodendrocytes (O), Astrocytes (A), (Scale bar=50µm, H and E stain). 

Photomicrograph of the rat cerebral cortex in different experimental groups. Control group with bright and vesicular nuclei (arrow) at the neuronal and neuroglial level. The neuropil is densly packed. MnCl2-treated rats presented massive vaculations (V) in the neuropil with widespread neuronal and neuroglial loss with pkynotic nuclei (*). The use of ALA and/or Spirulina along with MnCl2 showed marked enhancement in the neuropil in many areas with bright vesicular nuclei (arrow). Pyramidal cells (P) and granular cells (G), Oligodendrocytes (O), Astrocytes (A), (scale bar=20µm. H and E stain) 

Photomicrograph of caspase-3 immunohistochemistry in the cerebral cortex showing intense expression of caspase-3 in MnCl2 treated rats compared to other groups. Marked improvement was acquired by the use of ALA and/or SP. Arrow indicates caspase-3 positive cells (stained brown) (Scale bar=50µm). 

Photomicrograph of HSP-70 immunohistochemistry in the cerebral cortex showing increased expression of HSP-70 in MnCl2 treated rats compared to other groups. Marked improvement was acquired by the use of ALA and/or SP. Arrow indicates HSP-70 positive cells (stained brown) (Scale bar=50µm).