Protective Effects of Vitamin C on Ivermectin Induced Toxicity on Kidney Functions and Brain Tissue in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 -Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University Blida 1, BP 270. Soumaa, Blida, Algeria - Natural Resources Laboratory, University Mouloud Mammeri, BP 15017. Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria

2 National Higher School of Agronomy, El-Harrach, 16200, Algiers, Algeria

3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University Blida 1, BP 270. Soumaa, Blida, Algeria

4 Natural Resources Laboratory, University Mouloud Mammeri, BP 15017. Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated intake of a high dose of Ivermectin (IVM) alone or with co-administration of Vitamin C on kidney biochemical parameters and histological structure of kidney and brain of male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Male rabbits were distributed into four groups (5 rabbits/group) and treated for three consecutive weeks: receiving distilled water; IVM 2 mg/kg b.w. subcutaneously, 3 times a week; IVM + Vitamin C 20 mg/1mL by gavage and IVM + Vitamin C 200mg /kg of diet in food. IVM significantly (p < 0.05) increased the plasma level of creatinine compared to the control group. Co-treatment with vitamin C orally by gavage ameliorated this level compared to IVM group. The histopathological examination of kidney sections in IVM alone treated group showed dilated Bowmans’ spaces, dilated renal tubules, vascular congestion and cell infiltration. The brain tissues demonstrated vacuolated neuropil and degenerative changes in nerve cells in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of IVM-treated rabbits. However, these histological changes were moderate in both vitamin C co-treated groups. In conclusion, vitamin C has a protective effect against nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity induced by subacute administration of a high dose of IVM.

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