TISSUE RESIDUE DETERMINATION AND HISPATOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ENROFLOXACIN AND CIPROFLOXACIN IN THE HEART AND MUSCLE OF ALBINO RAT

ABSTRACT The presence of antibiotic residues in biological systems has become a growing concern due to their potential health risks in both humans and animals.This study investigated the tissue residue levels and histopathological effects of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in the heart and muscles of albino rats. An experimental research design was used; fifteen (15) female albino rats (weighing 150 to 200 g) were obtained from a certified animal breeding center in the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. The heart and muscle samples were tested for antibiotic residues using HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). The fixed tissue samples (heart and muscle) were processed through standard histological procedures. Findings revealed that the heart tissues of control rats showed only mild damage, while rats treated with Enrofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin showed serious heart damage like necrosis, inflammation, and bleeding, especially in higher-dose groups. The skin of control rats appeared healthy, but rats treated with the drugs showed signs of inflammation such as immune cell buildup and blood vessel issues. Ciprofloxacin generally accumulated at higher levels in skeletal muscle, while enrofloxacin was more concentrated in the heart.In conclusion, enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, though effective antibiotics, can cause significant tissue damage when not properly administered. The heart and skin tissues of albino rats demonstrated visible histopathological changes. Based on the findings, it was therefore recommended that enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin should be administered only under strict veterinary guidance to avoid heart tissue damage. Regular histological checks should be carried out in animals treated with fluoroquinolones to monitor cardiac health. Keywords: Tissue residue, Histopathology, Enroflaxacin, Ciprofloxaxin, Heart, Muscle and albino rats Word count: 250