Microhepatic histoarchitecture and liver enzymes evaluation in female lactating Wistar rats treated with metoclopramide and some atypical antipsychotic drugs

This study was designed to evaluate serum liver enzymes and liver histomorphology in lactating female wistar rats following treatment with metoclopramide, olanzapine and risperidone. Twenty (20) female Wistar rats at parturition were divided into four groups of five rats each (n=5) and treated as follows: Group I: 1 ml/kg normal saline; group II: 5 mg/kg b.w of metoclopramide; group III: 5 mg/kg b.w of risperidone; group IV: 5 mg/kg b.w of olanzapine. Administration was carried out orally, once daily at 06:00 h for a period of ten (10) days. There was a significant increase (P< 0.05) in the serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in all the treated groups compared to the control thus; metoclopramide (119.50 ± 3.66), risperidone (111.00 ± 5.21) and olanzapine (125.25 ± 3.07). Although there was a significant increase (P< 0.05) in serum level of alanine amino transferase (ALT) in the metoclopramide treated group compared to the control; (50.25 ± 1.78), the increase in the risperidone treated group (48.06 ± 4.18) and olanzapine treated group (44.75 ± 3.52) was not significant. Metoclopramide and risperidone treated groups showed significant increase (P< 0.05) in the serum level of aspartate amino transferase (AST) thus; (44.75 ± 2.06) and (44.00 ± 2.48) respectively. In spite of increase in AST level in the olanzapine treated group (42.00 ± 2.48), it was however not significant. There was no obvious sign of liver damage observed from the histology. In conclusion, treatment with metoclopramide, risperidone, and olanzapine is potentially hepatotoxic, with duration of administration as a determining factor.