Effect of sildenafil citrate on the structure of rat liver: a histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical study

ABSTRACT

Sildenafil citrate [SC] is an effective drug for treatment for erectile dysfunction, which is a common symptom in patients with liver disease. The effect of SC on liver structure is elusive and has not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SC treatment for different periods and its withdrawal on the liver structure in adult male rats. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were classified into four groups group I [control], group II [rats treated with SC orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks], group III [rats treated with 10 mg/kg/day SC for 8 weeks] and group IV [recovery group; rats treated similarly as group III and then left for 4 weeks without SC treatment]. Liver specimens were processed for histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical study. In group II, the liver revealed significant enlargement of many hepatocytes with clumping of cell organelles in their cytoplasm. There were frequent Kupffer cells, activated hepatic stellate cells and increased deposition of collagen fibers. In group III, these changes were more marked, in addition to reduced glycogen staining in hepatocytes. Dilated bile ductules and cellular infiltration were noticed in many portal tract areas. In the recovery group, most changes were relatively reduced but not reversed completely. SC exerted deleterious structural effects on the hepatic tissue that were more pronounced with longer duration of SC administration. Some of these deleterious effects were reversible after discontinuation of the drug