Biochemical and histochemical changes induced by long term use of nalbuphine versus morphine in rat liver

ABSTRACT

Fifty-six mature albino rats were used for this study. They were divided into three groups. Eight animals were kept as placebo control group [group C] and were injected saline intraperitoneally, daily for one month. The remaining 48 animals were divided into 2 main groups, 24 animals each Nalbuphine group [group N] and morphine group [group M]. Each was subdivided into 3 equal subgroups, 8 animals each. Each subgroup was given the corresponding drug in the analgesic dose [N1 and M1 subgroups given 0.9 ug/g b. wt.], double the analgesic dose [N2 and M2 subgroups given 1.8 ug/g b. wt.] or triple the analgesic dose [N3 and M3 subgroups given 2.7 ug/g b. wt.] intraperitoneally, daily for one month. Alanine transferase [ALT], aspartate transferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], total proteins and albumin were estimated after one month. Histochemical studies of ALP, acid phosphatase [ACP] and succinic dehydrogenase were done. From the results obtained it was concluded that nalbuphine hydrochloride is much more safer than morphine for prolonged use, especially in patients with compromised livers