Effects of Oral N-Acetylcysteine on the Haemato-Biochemical and Histopathological Changes on the Liver of Albino Rats

Abstract

Introduction: N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a direct precursor in the synthesis of intracellular Glutathione (GSH). NAC protects the liver by restoring the GSH levels or by acting as an alternate substrate for conjugation and hence, detoxification of the reactive metabolite of hepatotoxic drug. Aim: To evaluate the effects of oral NAC on the haemato-biochemical and histopathological changes on the liver of albino rats. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in animal house located at Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Piparia. The healthy albino rats of either sex weighing 150-400 gm body weight were grouped into two for the experimental study and were housed in animal house for duration of 24 hours. Before initiation of any procedures; after overnight fasting; the albino rats belonging to Group I Control Group (n=6) were administered distilled water 10 mL/kg orally; Group II NAC treated (n=6) were administered NAC 450 mg/kg as a single oral dose. Blood samples were collected after 24 hours of treatment, to evaluate the effect of NAC on the haemato-biochemical and histopathological changes on the liver. All results were expressed as Mean±SEM. Results: NAC as a single oral dose of 450 mg/kg does not caused statistically significant changes in the serum enzymes levels. Moreover, histopathology showed normal appearance of the liver was similar to that of the control treated rats, with no change in the texture and liver tissue showed normal morphology. Conclusion: NAC as a single oral dose of 450 mg/kg body weight has no toxic effect on the liver in albino rats.