ABSTRACT
The relationship between the use of non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs and pulmonary diseases is recognized with greater frequency. The present work aimed to study the histological and histochemical effects of pirprofen administration on the lung of albino rats and the changes that occur after its withdrawal as compared to placebo. Bronchopneumonia, bronchiectasis, non caseating tuberculous lesions and emphysematous changes were seen in the animals killed one hour after the last dose of drug administration. Gradual resolution was observed in the withdrawal groups. The histopathological changes were associated with decreased cytochrome oxidase which retained its normal level at three weeks after withdrawal. On the other h and, acid and alkaline phosphatases showed increased activity with progressive decrease to normal levels after three weeks withdrawal. The above mentioned changes were probably caused by a reversible hypersensitivity reaction to the non- steroidal anti- inflammatory drug, pirprofen. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of such a complication in patients receiving this drug