Effects of Chloroquine on Some Visceral Organs in the Rabbit: Histopathological Perspective

Abstract

The histopathological changes caused by chloroquine phosphate in doses 5, 10, and 15mg/kg over 30, 60 and 90 days in the albino (n = 10) and pigmented (n = 22) rabbits, with mean weight value of 1.40+0.44kg and mean age value of 9.0+0.25 months were investigated in the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Histopathology results revealed linear, granular, lumpy and bumpy stainable iron deposition on the wall of the myocardium. The lymphoid organs showed prominent necrosis, fibrosis and disappearance of lymphocytes. Histology of the rabbits' duodenum also revealed marked mucosal ulceration and loss of villi in all treated groups. Patients of malaria are advised to consult their physicians for drug prescription and proper guidance in chloroquine consumption to avert the toxic consequences of frequent and indiscriminate chloroquine ingestion.