Experimental Nerium oleander poisoning in Balb/c mice and Wistar rat: comparative hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity effects based on biochemical and pathological studies

Abstract

Abstract Objective Nerium oleander is a member of the Apocynaceae family. All parts of the plant are considered toxic and can poison livestock and humans. Method The present paper was carried out to compare the toxic effect of oral administration of N. oleander extract at single doses of 10, 12.5, 15 and 25 mg/kg body weight in Balb/c mice and Wistar rat. The toxicity of this plant was determined by measuring serum levels of ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, BUN and creatinine. Histopathological examination was performed on the liver and kidney. Results Significant differences were observed in the level of the ALT, AST, BUN and creatinine. Interestingly, the biochemical changes were more severe in AST in rats compared with mice (15–16 and 4–5 times compared to control, respectively). In comparison, the values of BUN in rats were higher compared with mice (2–2.5 and 1–1.5 times, respectively). In mice and in rat more sever toxic lesions were observed in the liver and kidney, respectively. Conclusion In conclusion, the biochemical and pathological results of the current study suggested that mice have more susceptibility to hepatotoxicity of N. oleander intoxication. But, rats show more susceptibility to nephrotoxicity of N. oleander poisoning.