DEXAMETHASONE INDUCES BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOMORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN HEPATO-RENAL SYSTEM OF NORWAY RATS (RATTUS NORVEGICUS)

Abstract

This study was aimed at evaluating dexamethasone induced biochemical and histomorphological changes in hepato-
renal system of Rattus norvegicus. The rats were divided into 3 groups. Each rat was injected intraperitoneally with
0.02ml/0.166 ± 0.05 kg of dexamethasone on daily basis for two weeks, (experimental group one), 0.02ml/0.166 ±
0.05 kg of dexamethasone on daily basis for four weeks (experimental group two) and those in control group not
injected. At day 14 and 28, the rats were sacrificed respectively using chloroform technique and 5ml of blood collected
via cardiac puncture into lithium heparin anti-coagulated bottles. The blood specimens were separated using a Gulfex
macro-centrifuge model 800 D and used for biochemical assay: alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase,
urea and creatinine. The organs (liver and kidneys) were collected into 10% BFS, processed and stained using
haematoxylin and eosin staining technique. The results showed that the mean values of all the biochemical parameters
in the plasma of the experimental group two Rattus norvegicus were significantly higher (p<0.05) than they were in
the control group, which showed no significant changes (p>0.05). When compared to the control group, the
histomorphological analysis of the liver and kidney tissues indicated central vein congestion and glomerular
enlargement, respectively. The mean values of all the measured biochemical parameters in the experimental group
one Rattus norvegicus did not significantly differ from those in the control group, however (p>0.05). The liver and
kidneys' histomorphological examinations showed no changes. Prolonged administration of dexamethasone for four
weeks may adversely effect changes in the hepato-renal system of Rattus norvegicus.