Histological Profiling of Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Remodeling in Mice Following Chronic Intake of High-Fructose Corn Syrup

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 253–261

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001029

Research Article

Title: Histological Profiling of Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Remodeling in Mice Following Chronic Intake of High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Names of Authors: F. G. Santos¹, H. I. Takahashi², E. S. Williams³*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Morphology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
² Department of Anatomy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
³ Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom.

Abstract:
Diets rich in high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are linked to systemic metabolic syndrome, central neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits. However, the specific impacts of prolonged HFCS consumption on the cellular architecture of the cerebellum remain less understood. This study quantified the effects of chronic HFCS intake on the cellular density and dendritic arborization of cerebellar Purkinje cells using a mouse model. Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were divided randomly into two groups (n = 12): a Control group (standard chow and tap water) and an HFCS group (diet supplemented with a 15% HFCS solution in drinking water) for 14 consecutive weeks. Cerebellar tissues were sectioned and processed for Nissl staining, Calbindin-D28k immunofluorescence, and Sholl analysis to map dendritic complexity. Quantitative evaluation revealed significant Purkinje cell degeneration in the HFCS-exposed cohort. The linear density of Purkinje cells along the ganglionic layer of the cerebellar cortex decreased significantly (14.2 ± 1.1 cells/mm vs. 21.4 ± 1.6 cells/mm in controls; p < 0.01). Sholl analysis of Calbindin-positive cells demonstrated a significant reduction in dendritic branching intersections (12.4 ± 1.5 vs. 22.8 ± 2.1 in controls; p < 0.05) and a reduction in total dendritic length. These structural alterations show that chronic, high-dose consumption of HFCS induces Purkinje cell loss and dendritic tree remodeling, which may impair fine motor coordination and cerebellar cognitive loops.

Keywords: Cerebellum, Purkinje cells, High-fructose corn syrup, Calbindin, Dendritic remodeling.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: September 05, 2026; Revised: October 20, 2026; Accepted: November 08, 2026; Published: November 29, 2026.

Citation: Santos FG, Takahashi HI, Williams ES. Histological Profiling of Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Remodeling in Mice Following Chronic Intake of High-Fructose Corn Syrup. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 253–261. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001029

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