ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (10), pp. 001-004, October, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Haemolytic effects and changes in serum enzymes in normal rats exposed to halofantrine hydrochloride overdose
Nwangwu Spencer1*, Adeyekun Felix1, Uhunmwangho S. Esosa1, Madu Michael2, Ofusori David3, Nwangwu Udoka4, Njoya Helen1 and J. Josiah Sunday1
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Igbinedion University, P. M. B. 0006, Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
2Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria.
3Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
4Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Accepted 22 July, 2012
Abstract
The levels of serum enzymes and haemolytic effects of overdose of halofantrine hydrochloride were determined in adult male rats. The animals were grouped into four groups and were orally administered halofantine hydrochloride in normal saline: 0 mg/kg (control), 4 mg/kg (under-dose), 8 mg/kg (normal dose) and 16 mg/kg (overdose) in three repeated doses at 6 h interval. The changes in serum enzyme levels were determined by monitoring the levels alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total serum albumin. The haemolytic effect of the drug was monitored by the changes in Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total bilirubin and direct bilirubin. There were significant increases in the ALT, AST and ALP levels in both the normal dose and overdose when compared with the control. The reduction in total serum albumin in normal dose and overdose was also significant (p < 0.05). The result also revealed a significant decrease in PCV and increase in total and direct bilrubin (p < 0.05) in the overdose groups. The result is indicative of the hepatotoxicity and haemotoxicity of halofantrine hydrochloride in normal dose and overdose conditions.
Key words: Halofantrine hydrochloride, haemotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, serum enzymes.