Nephrotoxicity of Chloroquine in the Rabbit

Abstract

The histopathologic and biochemical changes produced 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 1.46 + 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 showed that chloroquine induced lesions in the kidney. Peritubular and interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration marked tubular dilation, edema, necrosis and hyalinization as well as glomerular degeneration and loss in some instances were observed. The electrolytes were significantly (P < 0.05) found retained except the bicarbonate ions, which were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased at different periods of the study. Both findings reflect renal function impairment and lowering of G F R. Chloroquine should be taken with caution in view of its toxic potential.