The data related to the cell population are presented in Figure 3(Fig. 3). As the figure depicts, the total number of neurons and glial cells of the mPFC reduced by 36 % and 31 % respectively in the SD animals in comparison to the control group (p < 0.01). The number of neurons also reduced, but less considerably, in the SD+curcumin animals as compared to the SD group (p < 0.05). Yet, treatment of the SD animals with curcumin prevented glial cells loss in the mPFC compared to the SD group (p < 0.01). The results revealed no statistically significant changes in the cell population (neurons or glia) in the experimental groups as compared to the control groups. CE of the number estimation using the optical disector method was 0.04-0.05.