Histological Study of the Effects of Olanzapine on the Liver of Adult Male Albino Rat with and without Vitamin C

Abstract

Introduction: Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug widely used in treatment of schizophrenia for prolonged time.Aim of the work: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of olanzapine on the liver and the possible protective effect of vitamin C.Material and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were used in this work. They were divided into: Group I as a control, group II was given Olanzapine (2mg/kg B. wt. orally once daily) for one month, group III was given Olanzapine (at the same previous dose) plus vitamin C (15 mg /Kg. B. wt of orally once daily) for one month and group IV was given only vitamin C (for the same dose and period of the previous group). At the end of the experiment, liver specimens were processed for histological study by light and electron microscopes. Also blood samples were collected for estimation of liver enzymes.Result: Significant increase in the level of liver enzymes was observed in Olanzapine treated group. While the microscopic examination of the liver sections of this group revealed several histological changes including, dilatation and congestion of central veins and blood sinusoids, inflammatory cellular infiltration in the portal areas and cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes that present mainly around the central veins. Mitochondrial degeneration, bile ducts dilatation and excessive deposition of lipid droplets were also observed. These changes were ameliorated by vitamin C administration.Conclusion: Results of this experimental work revealed that administration of vitamin C greatly reduced the histological alterations induced by Olanzapine, suggesting that vitamin C has a protective effect on the liver.