Histomorphological, haematological and biochemical effects of methamphetamine (crystal ice) on the liver of Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. It is chemically related to amphetamine but has much stronger effects.
Aim: The research was aimed at evaluating the effect of haematological, biochemical, and histology of the liver of Wistar rats was studied.
Methodology: A total of 25 albino rats was used in this research. They were divided into five groups of five rats per group. Group A (Control) received rat pellet and water, B along with water and rat pellet received 0.5 mg/ kg body weight of Methamphetamine, C received 1.0 mg/kg body weight of meth, D received 3.0 mg/kg body weight of Meth, E received 5.0 mg/kg body weight of meth twice daily for a duration of six weeks. The rats were given a mild anaesthesia, with chloroform and sacrificed afterward, blood samples were taken for biochemical and haematological test, and the liver excised for histological examination.
Results: There were a significant reduction (P<0.05) in weight when compared to the control. There were also observable significant reduction (P<0.05) in hematocrit, white blood cell value when compared with the control. There was a significant increase (P< 0.05) in the value of monocytes and granulocytes when compared with the control. Also observed were significant increases (p<0.05) in the value of aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, ST, ALP, ALT, and TB when compared with the control. The histology of the various liver organs reveals no changes morphologically.
Conclusion: This study showed that the complications of METH were dose-dependent, and the highest dose caused the most damage. However, no observable damage histologically.