Short-term systemic methotrexate administration in rats induces astrogliosis and microgliosis.

Methotrexate (MTX), an antifolate drug, is widely used in chemotherapeutic protocols for metastatic and primary brain tumors and some autoimmune diseases. Its efficacy for brain tumors is limited by the high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) complications. This investigation aimed to observe the morphological effects, including astroglial and microglial responses, following systemic short-term MTX administration in adult rats.