ABSTRACT
Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs that provides analgesic (pain-killing) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects and in higher doses, anti-inflammatory effects. The present case control study was performed to find out whether prolonged oral administration of a non-selective NSAID- ibuprofen in therapeutic doses produces any micro-structural changes in the mucosa of lower respiratory tract of adult Swiss albino mice. Methods: The adult Swiss albino mice (25 in each group) weregiven either 40mg/kg commercial ibuprofen suspension (experimental group) or equivalent volume of distilled water (control group) by oral route by gastric gavage method once daily for 6 weeks. Histomorphometry was performed with linear ocular micrometer scale to quantify certain histological parameters namely outerdiameter, inner diameter, wall thickness and proportion of wall thickness (PWT). Results: Reduction in the body weight at the end of dosing period in both the groups of mice but significant weight loss in experimental group of mice. Microscopically the findings of less airy lung tissue in the experimental group were notable. Mean values of proportion of wall thickness (PWT) were compared in experimental and control group and although apparently the PWT in experimental group seemed to be increased it was not significant statistically. Conclusion: The present study reflects the low possibility of toxic role of ibuprofen on the lung tissue of the mice in human equivalent therapeutic doses although it is not statistically significant. Hence, although any life threatening side effect has not been noticed in the mice, its use should be judged before advocating prolonged dosage.