Effect of acute and chronic cyclosporine A treatment on haematological data in male albino rats

Abstract

Background: Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a compound widely used as an immunosuppressive drug, particularly, in case of heart, liver and kidney transplantation to prevent rejection of transplanted organ. Toxic effects of CsA have been demonstrated in a variety of organs of experimental animals, including kidney, liver, hematopoietic systems, the lymphoid system, the alimentary tract, and skin. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the side effect of acute and chronic treatment with CsA on haematological parameters and serum proteins in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Eighty male albino rats were divided into 4 main groups, each one divided into two subgroups, consisted of 10 animals. The first group were divided into 2 subgroups, the first serves as a control group, and the second were treated orally with 20 mg/Kg/day CsA for one week. The second group were divided into 2 subgroups, the first serves as a control group, and the second were treated orally with 20 mg/Kg/day CsA for two weeks. The third group were divided into 2 subgroups, the first serves as a control group, and the second were treated orally with 20 mg/Kg/day CsA for four weeks. The fourth group were divided into 2 subgroups, the first serves as a control group, and the second were treated with one acute dose (50 mg/Kg) of CsA orally. Blood samples were obtained for assessment of haematological parameters and serum proteins. Results: The results of the present study showed that, chronic treatment with CsA for 4 weeks caused a highly significant (P<0.01) decreases in RBCs count, hemoglobin concentration, haematocrite value, MCHC, Lymphocytes%, and increase in MCV, MCH, and neutrophils % as compared to control. Acute administration of CsA caused a significant decreases (P<0.05) in eosinophils % and (P<0.01) basophils when compared to controls. Also, chronic administration of CsA for four weeks caused a highly significant (P<0.01) decreases in serum albumin, A/G ratio, and increase in serum Globulins as compared to control groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, chronic cyclosporine A had adverse effects on haematological parameters, serum total proteins, albumin, globulin, and A/G ratio in male albino rats.