Evidence of Liver and Kidney Injuries Attributable To Oral Bromocriptine Methanesulfonate in Mice.

Abstract

As a sequel to a previous study examining behavioral effects of bromocriptine methanesulfonate, this study was to evaluate the effects of the same drug on the liver and kidneys of Swiss albino mice. Male mice weighing between 16- 20g were assigned into three groups of ten mice each. First group received normal saline; the other two groups were given bromocriptine methanesulfonate at 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg/day respectively, drug or vehicle was given daily using an oral cannula for a period of 30 days. Body weight was measured weekly, and at the end of the treatment period mice were sacrificed and the liver and right kidney dissected out and weighed following which sections of the liver and kidneys were prepared for histologic study. Data was analysed using one way ANOVA followed by the Student-Newman-Keul's test, results were expressed as mean ± S.E.M. A dose dependent increase in relative liver and kidney weights were seen in the test groups. Test groups' histology also showed evidence of liver and kidney injury. The study concluded that at doses tested, bromocriptine has both hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic potential in mice.