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.

Antidepressants- and antipsychotics-induced hepatotoxicity

“…We also described portal inflammation and focal hepatocyte necrosis in olanzapine-treated rats (Todorović et al 2016 ). In line with that, Elbakary ( 2017 ) detected various histological changes, including dilatation and congestion of central veins, inflammatory cellular infiltration in the portal areas, cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes, mitochondrial degeneration, bile ducts dilatation, and excessive deposition of lipid droplets in olanzapine-treated rats. Noted cellular infiltration was described as the consequence of ROS, cytokines, and chemokines released from activated Kupffer cells.…”

Histological and Biochemical Changes Associated with Blocking of Serotonin Receptor

“…24 In preclinical animal models, olanzapine has been shown to cause steatogenic liver injury, proinflammatory cell infiltration, or a combination of both defects. [25][26][27][28][29][30][31] Similarly, risperidone-induced steatosis has been shown in preclinical animal models. [32][33][34][35][36][37] Furthermore, necrosis has been found in animal models after the administration of quetiapine.…”

Differential Expression of CD3, TNF-α, and VEGF Induced by Olanzapine on the Spleen of Adult Male Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin C

“…Rats were randomly distributed into four groups ( n = 10/group): group (I) (control group) rats received 1 mL distilled water daily (Olanzapine vehicle); group (II) (Vitamin C group) rats received 40 mg/kg body weight [17]; group (III) (Olanzapine group) rats received 2 mg/kg body weight of Olanzapine, which is equal to a human dose [2]; group (IV) (Olanzapine and vitamin C group) rats received the same dose of Olanzapine and vitamin C for the same period as group (II) and group (III). The Olanzapine dose was calculated according to Paget and Branes [18].…”

“…It is also used as monotherapy or in combination with antidepressants to treat depressive illnesses [1]. The human therapeutic dose is 10–20 mg/day [2]. Few side effects have been reported for Olanzapine, such as severe pruritic skin eruption [3].…”