Effects of Methamphetamine on the Histopathology of the Liver and Pancreas and their Enzymes in Adult Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Methamphetamine (METH) is a widely addictive and abused psychostimulant drug that affects organs of body. In this study, the effects of METH administration for 7, 14, and 28 days on the histological and functional changes of the liver and pancreas of adult male rats were investigated. Methods: In this experimental study, 58 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups including control (received no treatment), vehicle (received saline for 7, 14, and 28 days), and METH (received METH with a dose of 5 ml/kg, IP for 7, 14 or 28 days). Sampling from the liver and pancreas tissues was done after the above-mentioned times for each group, then, tissue samples were stained by H&E technique and evaluated for structural changes, as well as the evaluation of biochemical factors including SGPT, SGOT, and amylase enzymes. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, using SPSS software version 20. Statistical significant level was considered at p <0.05. Results: In this study, METH caused a significant structural change in the liver and pancreas in the METH-treated groups compared with the control group. Functional changes depended on the length of treatment, with the 7-day treatment group having less damage than the 14- and 28-day periods. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, methamphetamine administration for 7, 14, and 28 days had adverse effects on the rats liver and pancreas structure and their enzymes (SGPT, SGOT, and amylase). Therefore, underlying mechanism need further investigation.