Author/Authors :
Hammadi Jasim, N Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Chemistry - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Basrah - Basrah, Iraq , Adel Kareem, D Department of Anatomy and Histology - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Basrah - Basrah, Iraq , Majeed AL Ali, M. F Department of Anatomy and Histology - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Basrah - Basrah, Iraq , Abbas, B. A Department of Microbiology and Parasitology - College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Basrah - Basrah, Iraq
Abstract :
Glucocorticoids have a wide range of pharmacological activities. Generally speaking, the steroid drugs, such as
dexamethasone (DEX) can have severe side effects on the histology of different organs. In fact, glucocorticoids
have been known as powerful medicines which can cure inflammation and work with the immune system to
treat a wide range of health problems. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of DEX on the
histological changes of the liver and kidney, as well as blood biochemical parameters. In total, 13 specific
pathogen-free male Lepus cuniculus rabbits aged 8-10 months old, with a mean weight of 1.12±0.13 kg were
randomly divided into three groups. Group I (n=3) did not receive DEX, and they only received saline solution
as a placebo (control). In Group II (n=5), the animals received 0.25 mg DEX/kg body weight/day for a period of
56 days, and the animals in Group III (n=5) received 0.5 mg DEX/kg body weight/day for 56 days. Blood was
aspirated from the rabbit's marginal ear vein. All blood samples were centrifuged at 3000×g for 10 min to
separate serum samples. Blood lipids and trace elements (zinc, copper, calcium, and iron) were measured. The
microscopical analyses of the liver and kidney tissues were performed through the observation of the
histological changes in the tissues. The results showed a significant (P≤0.05) decrease in the body and organ
weight, as well as serum concentrations for the trace elements. On the other hand, lipid profile showed a
significant increase (P≤0.05) in cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein. However, a significant
decrease was recorded in high-density lipoprotein in both treated groups with DEX, compared to the control
group. The results of the histological evaluation showed some degrees of degeneration, necrosis, cell
vacuolation, and lymphocyte infiltration in the kidney and liver tissues in the treatment groups.
Keywords :
Lipid Profile , Histology , Essential Mineral , Dexamethasone
