Assessing the Hepatic Effect of Common Antiasthmatic Medications (Montelukast, Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, and Salbutamol) in a Sprague Dawley Rat Model of Asthma

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic airway disease with systemic effects. While antiasthmatic drugs are essential for control, their hepatic impacts remain unclear.

Aim: This study examined the effects of salbutamol, montelukast, prednisolone, and hydrocortisone on liver function in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic female Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods: Forty-two rats (180–250 g) were randomized into six groups: negative and positive controls, salbutamol (1 mg/kg/day oral), montelukast (10 mg/kg/day oral), prednisolone (3 mg/kg/day oral), and hydrocortisone (5 mg/kg/day i.p.). Groups 2–6 were sensitized with i.p. OVA (1 mg) and AlOH (20 mg) on days 1 and 7, followed by 1% aerosolized OVA twice weekly for 4 weeks. Treatments coincided with challenges. Blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical and histological evaluation.

Results: Montelukast significantly lowered serum ALT and AST compared with both controls (p<0.05), with no changes in ALP, bilirubin, or albumin. Total protein was significantly reduced (p<0.05). Histology revealed a normal liver in the negative controls, whereas the positive controls exhibited vascular ulceration, periportal edema, and inflammatory infiltrates. Salbutamol preserved vascular architecture with focal inflammation and Kupffer cell activation. Prednisolone and hydrocortisone induced mild periportal inflammation and vascular alterations. Montelukast-treated livers displayed periportal inflammatory infiltration, vasodilation, and Kupffer cell activation.

Conclusion: Montelukast reduced liver enzyme levels, suggesting hepatoprotective potential, whereas salbutamol and corticosteroids caused mild hepatic changes. These results highlight differential hepatic effects of antiasthmatics, warranting further study.