study of the effects of levamisole on some cardiovascular parameters of rats

ABSTRACT

In this study, the effects of the broad spectrum anthelmintic drug, levamisole, on the cardiovascular system of rats were investigated. Male albino rats weighing 160 +/- 15 g each were used. They were divided into four groups. Experiments were conducted under urethane anesthesia. The first group was intraperitoneally [i. p.] injected with saline, while the other groups were [i. p.] injected with 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg b. wt. of levamisole, respectively. The electrocardiogram [ECG] and the arterial blood pressure were recorded simultaneously. Treatment with either of the three doses of levamisole induced a significant increase in both heart rate and conduction velocity. Some cardiac disorders, such as sinus arrhythmias and nodal rhythm, were also noticed. Levamisole also produced a significant hypertension. It can be suggested that levamisole has a stimulating effect on the release of adrenaline from the adrenal gl and as a result of its ganglionic stimulating activity