Effects of ciprofloxacin on renal cortex of rabbits and the role of vitamin C as a protective agent: anatomical, histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical study

ABSTRACT

Ciprofloxacin is a fluroquinolone antibiotic commonly used to treat respiratory, urinary tract, skin and soft-tissue infections. The aim of the present work was to study the effects of ciprofloxacin on renal cortex of rabbits and the possible protective role of vitamin C. Twenty four adult male rabbits were used in this study and randomly divided into three groups control, ciprofloxacin treated and ciprofloxacin plus vitamin C-treated group. This regimen of treatment was given orally for one month. At sacrifice, blood samples were drawn for biochemical study. The kidneys were observed macroscopically and sections were prepared for histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies. Ciprofloxacin treated rabbits showed a highly significant increase in Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. The kidneys of ciprofloxacin treated rabbits appeared small in size with macroscopic evidence of fibrotic capsular thickening. Renal cortex of ciprofloxacin treated rabbits showed moderate tubular dilatation in some proximal and distal convoluted tubules with marked degeneration and vacuolization of their lining cells. Some glomeruli were hypertrophied while others were atrophied. In summary, Ciprofloxacin can induce subtle renal damage which could be ameliorated by simultaneous use of vitamin C which is easily available and safe antioxidant. On the basis of our results, we advice Clinicians to use vitamin C in common with ciprofloxacin to avoid its potential complication