PRELUDE TO THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF LEVAMISOLE AND NICLOSAMIDE USED CONCEMTTENTLY

The effect of anthelmintic agents, levamisole and niclosamide on the liver, kidney, heart and spleen were studied in albino rats. Thirty two adult male albino rats weighing 200 + 15 gm. each, were used in this study. The animals were divided into four equal groups. Rats of gp. I were S.C. injected with distilled water and used as a control. Rats of gp. II were injected S.C. with levamisole Hcl 36 mg/Kg. b.wt.. That of gp. III were administrated orally with niclosamide 450 mg/Kg. b.wt. . The rats of gp. IV were injected S.C. with levamisole 36 mg/Kg. b.wt. concmitently niclosamide 450 mg/Kg. b.wt. was given orally. The results revealed that, levamisole induced a significant increase in the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase andurea, while alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and creatine did not show any significant changes. Niclosamide produces a significant increase in the activities of serum transaminase only. The combination of levamisole and niclosamide induced a significant increase in the alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, bilirubin, urea and creatinine. Regarding the histopathological changes, the administration of levamisole to rats resulted in myocardial degeneration, toxic nephrosis, mild hepatic degenerative changes and mild lymphocytic necrosis in the spleen. The niclosamide produces more extensive myocardial degeneration than levamisole with no pronounced alteration in the liver, kidney, and spleen. The combination of both drugs, produce focal myocardial necrosis in addition to the myocardial degeneration, toxic nephrosis, focal hepatic necrosis and lymphocytic necrosis in the spleen. It could be concluded that, levamisole Hcl is cardiotoxic, nephrotoxic drug specially when given with niclosamide.