Effect Of Theobromine Exposure On Haematological Parameters In Rats

Abstract

This work was carried out to investigate the effect of theobromine exposure on haematological indices in rats and thus evaluate whether its use in chemotherapy may be associated with possible side effects such as anaemia. Theobromine in two doses was administered by oral gavage to albino Wistar rats of both sexes (n =8 for each group) for a four day period. Haematological parameters – indices of blood and erythropoietic status namely packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were assessed in whole blood obtained from the animals. The same parameters were assessed in the control group (n =8) administered with only the vehicle. Theobromine administration in moderate (600 mg/Kg body weight) to high (700 mg/Kg body weight) doses produced a significant (P<0.05 – 0.001) elevation in PCV, RBC and WBC when compared with the control. Blood haemoglobin concentration increased in treated animals relative to controls but the increase was not significant. No adverse alterations in haematological parameters were observed. The results indicate that there is normal erythropoietic function and the absence of anaemia following exposure to theobromine.

Key words: theobromine, haematological indices, erythropoietic function, anaemia.

Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol.18(1-2) 2003: 4-6