HISTOPATHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF IVERMECTIN ON KIDNEY FUNCTIONS, LUNG AND THE AMELIORATIVE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN C IN RABBITS (Lupus cuniculus)

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of repeatedadministration of ivermectin alone or with the combination of Vitamin C on kidneyfunction and histopathological effects on kidney and lung of rabbits. Total of 48mature female rabbits were used in this study. The rabbits were divided into eightgroups of equal number (6). The 1st group was administered 0.9% Nacl whichconsiders as control. The 2nd , 3rd , and 4th groups were administered (0.5mg, 1mg,and 2mg/Kg B.W Ivermectin) respectively. While the 5th group was administered50mg/Kg B.W vitamin C only. The 6th , 7th , and 8th groups were given 50mg/Kgvitamin C in combination with Ivermectin (0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg/Kg B.W )respectively. The ivermectin therapy was given S/C weekly, while the vitamin C wasgiven daily and orally. The treatment in all groups were prolonged for 8 weeks.The results showed significant increase (P˂ 0.05) in uric acid level in the 4thgroup. Also the level of urea and blood urea nitrogen were revealed significantdecrease (P˂ 0.05) in 7th group. While the creatinine level clarified significantincrease (P˂ 0.05) in the 3rd and 8th groups as compared with control group.The histopathological changes as a results of ivermectin treatment in kidneyincluded vacuolation of subcapsular tubules, atrophy of glomeruli. The lung showeddilated alveoli, bronchioles were aggregated with lymphocyte, dilatation ofbronchioles, as well as, folding and thickening of bronchial epithelium. Theadministration of vitamin C with combination of Ivermectin ameliorate the harmfuleffect of ivermectin treatment. It can be conclude that the repeated administration ofivermectin causes hazardous effects on kidney function and many ofhistopathological changes were demonstrated in kidney and lung structure. Thechanges were increased proportionally with the dose. The administration of vitaminC can acts as protective agent.