International Journal of Chemical Studies
  • Printed Journal
  • Indexed Journal
  • Refereed Journal
  • Peer Reviewed Journal
P-ISSN: 2349-8528, E-ISSN: 2321-4902   |   

Vol. 11, Issue 2 (2023)

Histological and some biochemical markers of the liver and kidney of female albino wistar rats exposed to rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)


Author(s): Okwuonu Uche Christina, Njoya Helen Kwipnchep, Timi Diepreye and Uzoigwe P Tracy

Abstract:
Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is a type of benzodiazepine medication with sedating, anti-anxiety and hypnotic properties that act as a central nervous system depressant, which may potentiate neurotoxicity hence prescribed only for short term in some countries to treat insomnia. The tolerance, dependency from the illicit use of this drug can develop very quickly, creating a euphoric sensation, including serious and deadly side effects arising from abuse and addiction especially amongst adolescents and adults for recreational purposes. This study was designed with the general aim of investigating the effect of varied dosages of rohypnol on the functionality of the liver and kidney by assessing relevant biochemical parameters alongside basic histological investigations. A total number of 20 adult female albino rats of the Wistar strain that weighed between 180g - 200g were used for this study. The experimental animals were randomly selected into four groups of five rats each, namely- Groups A-D. Group A was used as the control group and was treated with distilled water while groups B- D were treated with 0.5mg, 1.0mg, 1.5mg and 2.0mg per kilogram body weight respectively. The administration was done per os, two times daily and for 14days. Results obtained from this study showed statistically significant (p<0.05) increases in the serum levels of total and conjugated bilirubin, albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) relative to the control. The serum levels of urea and creatinine decreased significantly (p<0.05), and in a dose dependent manner. The histological assessments carried out on the renal (kidney) tissues of rohypnol treated female albino rats revealed mild to severe vacuolations, disrupted renal tubules, vascular congestion and reductions of the glomeruli in the kidneys of treated rats relative to the control. In the liver several spots of vascular congestion, mild to severe vacuolations were also recorded. The above results (biochemical and histological) are indicative of injurious effects on the kidney and liver tissues, and can be predicative to significant liver and kidney damage.


Pages: 12-19  |  884 Views  275 Downloads

download (13015KB)

International Journal of Chemical Studies International Journal of Chemical Studies
How to cite this article:
Okwuonu Uche Christina, Njoya Helen Kwipnchep, Timi Diepreye, Uzoigwe P Tracy. Histological and some biochemical markers of the liver and kidney of female albino wistar rats exposed to rohypnol (Flunitrazepam). Int J Chem Stud 2023;11(2):12-19.
 

Call for book chapter
International Journal of Chemical Studies