DRAWBACK OF CORTICOSTEROID TREATMENT AND SUBSEQUENT ALTERATION OF THE HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILES WITH HEPATIC TEXTURE IN RAT

†*M. M. R. Chowdhury, †Fahmida Afrin, S. S. Saha, Md. Ataur Rahman, Md. Ali Asgar, D. Das, Md. Kamrul Islam

ABSTRACT

An investigation was conducted on the effect of two corticosteroid drugs such as dexamethasone (Oradexon®) and predinisolone (Deltasone®) on hematological profiles (blood glucose, absolute number of various granulocytes) and histopathology of liver in rats for a period of 60 days. A total of 25 apparently healthy rats were randomly divided into 5 groups and each group contained 5 rats. Group-A (control) and was given only basal ration. Other treatment groups (B, C, D and E) were given dexamethasone (Oradexon®, @ 0.5 mg/kg b.wt.) and predinsolone (Deltason @ 2 mg/kg b.wt.) mixed with drinking water. The blood glucose level was increased significantly (P<0.01) in all four treatment groups (B, C, D and E). Corticosteroid drugs did not alter the feed intake and water consumption in treated rats. All treated rats showed a significant (P<0.05 and P<0.01) decrease in bodyweight, where Oradexon @ decreased body weight very significantly (P<0.01) from day 30 to 60. Absolute count of Neutrophil increased significantly (P<0.01). On the other hand, absolute count of Lymphocyte and Eosinophil were decreased significantly (P<0.01). Grossly, Rats in group B and D showed slight congestion in the liver. Thigh muscles were atrophied in all treatment groups (B, C and D). Hemorrhage and ulceration were found in all the treated rats. Swollen joints and softening long bones were observed in group B, C and E.

Keywords: Dexamethasone, Prednisolone, Rat, Lymphocyte, Liver. Hepatocytes.