Teratogenic effects of Rabeprazole and Ranitidine on chick embryos

Rabeprazole and Ranitidine are two types of drugs which reduce the amount of acids produced in the stomach. They are used for the treatment of gastrointestinal [duodenal and gastric ulcers] disease and gastro esophageal reflux disease. In the current study, the teratogenic effect of rabeprazole and ranitidine on the development of chick embryos and the histological changes of liver and stomach compartments were studied, using three doses of different values as follows [0.33,0.66 and 1.32mg/kg] for rabeprazole and [5, 10 and 20mg/kg] for ranitidine. The results showed that the rabeprazole and ranitidine induced embryonic malformations with significant decreases in weight, length, forelimb length, hind limb length, and beak length of embryos. The histological changes of the liver and stomach of chick embryos include deformation of the liver structures, activation of phagocytic process, especially in cells death area, hepatic dystrophy and necrosis. In the stomach, a demonstrated defect was observed in the development of its mucous membrane, which appears as cells atrophia of the mucous membrane, inter- and intracellular edema, destruction cells and formation of micronodular necrosis in its area and in the underlying tissue

Biochemical and histological studies on H2-receptor antagonist ranitidine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

This study was designed to investigate the hepatotoxicity of ranitidine treatment in dose levels of 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg b.wt. for 3 weeks period in male rats. The results showed some adverse changes in rats treated with either 10 or 30 mg/kg. Treatment with dose of 50 mg/kg produced marked increase in the activity of both acid phosphatase in liver and aspartate aminotransferase in serum and liver, with a tendency for increase in serum alanine aminotransferase activity. Also, a significant decrease in the serum activity of both amylase and alkaline phosphatase was noted. Microscopic examination of livers of the same animals revealed absence of some hepatic cells, pyknotic nuclei, dilatation of blood sinusoids, binucleated cells, and infiltration of lymphocytes. These biochemical and histological changes indicate that ranitidine when given chronically in high dose could produce hepatotoxicity in rats.