Biochemical Evaluation and Toxicological Effects of Lacidipine on Normotensive Rats

Abstract

Lacidipine, a newly developed, 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative with potent and long lasting antihypertensive activity was biochemically evaluated and its toxicological potential assessed in normontensive male rats who were fed with the drug ranging from 0.02 to 0.23 mg/kg body weight over a two-week period. At the end of dosing, the rats were sacrificed and clinical chemistry assays on serum marker enzymes as well as histopathologic examinations on liver, heart and brain tissues were performed. Results obtained from chemistry analysis revealed slight variations in the levels of creatinine kinase, (CK), aspartate transaminase (AST) alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels. The variations were however found to be within normal biologic limits. Kidney functions assessed by serum, urea and uric acid did not show any significant effects of the drug on renal status of normotensive rats. Serum calcium levels varied within expected ranges and thus revealed no significant alterations. There was no abnormality revealed in the liver, heart and brain tissues subjected to histopathologic examinations.

From our study we conclude: Lacidipine does not cause significant target organ toxicity or adverse effects on normotensive rats.


Keywords: Lacidipine, biochemical evaluation, histologic examinations

NQJHM Vol. 15 (3) 2005: pp. 131-137