THE EFFECT OF COADMINISTRATION OF METHAMPHETAMINE AND VITAMIN C ON THE HEART OF ADULT MALE WISTAR RATS
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant that can induce psychosis among chronic user with some users developing a persistent psychotic syndrome. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that can protect and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and oxidative stress, hence the present study is geared towards investigating the protective effect of vitamin C against methamphetamine induced toxicity on the heart. Thirty five adult male wistar rats weighing from 180g-250g were randomly divided into seven groups with each group consisting of five rats. Group A rats (control group) received only feed and water. Groups B and C rats received 5mg/kg and 10mg/kg of methamphetamine respectively, groups D and E rats received 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg of vitamin C respectively, group F rats received 5mg/kg of methamphetamine and 300mg/kg of vitamin C and group G received 10mg/kg of methamphetamine and 600mg/kg of vitamin C. The animals were painlessly sacrificed 24 hours following the last administration, which lasted for 21 days. The heart was then meticulously cut out and immersed in a normal saline before being weighed. Blood samples and heart tissue were collected for biochemical and histological studies. The level of white blood cell count and platelet count in groups B, C, F and G were significantly higher than the control group and groups D and E while the red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume reduced significantly in groups B, C, F and G. Histological observation showed a severe degeneration in groups B and C and also showed that following administration of vitamin C, there was mild regenerated of cells in groups administered with methamphetamine. The result of this study shows that no adverse biochemical alterations are associated with the use of vitamin C and no histopathological lesions were found in the heart of adult wistar rats. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and may contain cardioprotective properties against methamphetamine induced toxicity.
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