Effects of therapeutic and toxic doses of levamisole on thyroid hormones and some biochemical parameters in sheep

Abstract

This study was carried out to establish the effects of therapeutic and toxic doses of levamisole on thyroid hormone levels and some biochemical parameters in sheep. Twelve Akkaraman ewes were used. Levamisole was given orally at doses of 7.5 mg kg(-1) (group 1) and 40 mg kg(-1) (group 2) to the animals. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein at 2, 4, 8, 24, 48, 96 and 144 h after the administrations. Serum thyroid hormones and some biochemical parameters were determined on these samples. When compared with the control levels, no significant changes were observed in triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4) levels in group 1. Although levamisole was found to increase the levels of total T3, it decreased the levels of total T4 in group 2. On the other hand, free T3 and free T4 levels were not changed in either group. While serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were decreased, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine kinase (CK) activities were increased significantly by levamisole. However, it increased the serum albumin and cholesterol levels, but decreased the inorganic phosphate levels in groups 1 and 2. On the other hand, when compared with the control levels, no significant changes were detected in serum sodium, potassium and calcium levels. In conclusion, therapeutic and toxic doses of levamisole were determined to affect thyroid metabolism and some biochemical parameters in sheep.

Improving the Immune and Health Status and Blood Constituents of Egyptian Buffaloes and their Offspring in Response to Treating Dams with Selenomethionine and Levamisole

“…Concerning the thyroid hormones, the higher T 4 and T 3 concentrations in blood plasma of administrated groups were mainly related to direct impact of treatments on increasing thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) and immune potentiating impact on thyroid metabolism, particularly with Se-Met+LEV together. These findings are in accordance with Gunter et al (2003) and Atessahin et al (2004). Beckett (1992) reported that about 80% of T 3 in blood plasma is produced in the kidney, liver and muscle and all these tissues contain the Se-depending enzyme type IDI.…”

“…Moreover, Schrauzer and Surai (2009) indicated that selenomethionine is the only naturally occurring Se compound that is significantly incorporated into body proteins. Atessahin et al (2004) reported that administration of levamisole significantly enhanced the serum albumin and reduced the total cholesterol in ewes.…”

“…Also, Awadeh et al (1998) reported that cows supplemented with 60 ppm selenized yeast salt recorded the highest (P<0.01) T 3 and T 4 levels in blood plasma as compared to other supplemented groups. Moreover, Atessahin et al (2004) reported that administration of levamisole may be cause significant changes in T 3 and T 4 levels, a significant increase in albumin and decrease in total cholesterol in ewes. These results also may be due to protected thyrocytes from free radicals by treatments.…”

“…Also, Ebrahimi et al (2009) reported that plasma levels of T 3 hormones were greater (P<0.01) in claves supplemented with Sel-plex than in the control calves. It was observed that administration of levamisole may cause significantly changes in serum levels of T 3 and T 4 hormones (Atessahin et al, 2004).…”

Influence of fasting on the efficacy of anthelminthics in naturally infected sheep

“…Reports of levamisole intoxication are, in their entirety (Atessahin et al, 2004;Babish et al, 1990;Rather et al, 2020;Dar et al, 2020), the result of drug overdose.…”