Previous studies had indicated that administration offlutamide (an antiandrogen)
might induce hepatic toxicity. This study was carried out to
throw more light on the structural changes of flutamide on the liver of
adult male albino rat and the possible reversible effect after its discontinuation.
A total number of 25 adult male albino rats were used in this study.
They were divided into three groups; experimental group of 20 rats received
subcutaneous injections of flutamide dissolved in propylene glycol
vehicle in a dose of 10 mg / day for four weeks, a control group of 5 rats
received subcutaneous injections of propylene glycol vehicle for four
weeks, and a third group of 10 rats obtained from the first group and
were left for four weeks after stoppage offlutamide.
The effect of flutamide on the liver was studied using both light and
electron microscope. The results showed that flutamide caused focal degenerative
changes, necrosis of the liver cells and a marked decrease in
glycogen content of the hepatocytes. Also there was prollferation of
smooth endoplasmic reticulum, electron-dense mitochondria and increased
number of lysosomes. Four weeks after stoppage of flutamide
administration, the majority of hepatocytes returned normal while some
were still necrotic. |
