Toxicological Profile of Carbamazepine and Levetiracetam on Some Biochemical and Haematological Parameters in Rats

Abstract

The prolonged usage of antiepileptic drugs has necessitated the need to study their toxicological profiles using in experimental animals. The toxicological effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) and levetiracetam (LEV) on some biochemical and haematological parameters were evaluated in rats. Haematological parameters evaluated include packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb) and white blood cell (WBC), while some biochemical parameters studied were liver enzyme tests such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lipid profiles tests such as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). In addition, the body weight and morphological assessment of the vital body organs were determined. Results showed that CBZ and LEV did not significantly affect the haematological parameters. Animals treated with CBZ showed a significant increase in TC and HDL levels at 400 and 1000 mg/kg doses. There was no significant increase in the TC, HDL, LDL and TG in rats treated with LEV. CBZ and LEV treated animals at the doses of 400 and 1000 mg/kg showed a significant increase in body weights from the 6th day after commencement of treatment. There was also a significant increase in the weights of the liver, kidney and heart of the animals treated with CBZ and LEV. The colour and texture of the organs did not change. However, no appreciable weight increase was observed with the lung.