Gastrointestinal tolerability of metamizol, acetaminophen, and diclofenac in subchronic treatment in rats.
The gastrointestinal tolerability of metamizol and acetaminophen [weak cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors] in comparison with diclofenac (nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor) was evaluated in subchronic treatments in rats. Wistar rats received 60 mg/kg body weight of metamizol and acetaminophen, and 3 mg/kg body weight of diclofenac by oral route twice daily for 14 days. Myeloperoxidase activity, an index of neutrophil infiltration, COX expression and the effects on blood parameters used as indicators of liver and renal functions were also studied. Metamizol and acetaminophen did not cause apparent gastrointestinal lesions; in contrast diclofenac showed swelling and an increased thickness on the distal intestinal mucosa. Myeloperoxidase activity was significantly increased in the small bowel with diclofenac treatment. In gastric mucosa the expression of the cyclooxygenase-1 was not affected and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 was not observed. Diclofenac treatment significantly diminished hematocrit, hemoglobin, and corpuscular volume and increased the number of platelets. Aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase activity were also altered and, regarding the renal biochemical parameters, the animals treated with diclofenac had increased urea values. In contrast, acetaminophen treatment did not affect either of these parameters and metamizol increased only the alanine aminotransferase activity. Under our experimental conditions, metamizol and acetaminophen seem to be safe drugs. In contrast, with diclofenac treatment blood loss and anemia are observed which could stem from the small intestinal injury. Moreover, this drug could to impair kidney function.
Sánchez
Susana
S
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
Alarcón de la Lastra
Catalina
C
Ortiz
Pablo
P
Motilva
Virginia
V
Martín
M José
MJ
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018826:CD13 Antigens / Q000097:blood; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004177:Dipyrone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005752:Gastric Mucins / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D005752:Gastric Mucins; D004008:Diclofenac; D000082:Acetaminophen; D004177:Dipyrone; D009195:Peroxidase; D018826:CD13 Antigens