Effect of Propranolol on Hepatic Blood Flow for Reduction of the Hepatotoxicity of Rifampicin in Rabbits

Abstract

Objective: The study was undertaken in rabbits to investigate the effect of propranolol to reduce hepatoxicity of rifampicin (RIF).

Study Design: Experimental study.

Place and duration of study: The study was conducted in Animal House of Baqai Medical University, from March 2015 to August 2015.

Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into three groups; control, RIF 100mg/kg for 28 days as single daily dose in oral solution and RIF plus propranolol (30 mg/Kg for 28 days) treated group. Liver function test and histological evaluation by H and E staining was carried at the end of dosing by using standard procedures.

Results: RIF caused significantly (P<0.05) elevated the serum levels of ALT, ALP, γGT and bilirubin as compared to control. These levels were also higher in RIF plus propranolol treated group but when comparing the levels in between group B and C, it was illustrated that propranolol provide significant protection to the RIF induced damage. Histology of liver sections also supported these results. Liver damage induced by RIF expressed as central vein dilation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, portal vein dilation and damage of hepatocytes. All of these changes successfully turned to normal by combined administration of propranolol.

Conclusion: Propranolol is non cardioselective beta blocker used to treat various cardiac and non-cardiac diseases including arrhythmia, hypertension, and portal hypertension and oesophageal varices. It was disclosed from above re