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Plasma nicotinic acid level in chloroquine treated rats
1Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
|May 31, 2001
Summary
Chloroquine phosphate significantly reduced plasma nicotinic acid levels in male rats during an eleven-day treatment. This reduction may be due to chloroquine inhibiting the tryptophan dioxygenase enzyme.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Nicotinic acid (niacin) is essential for various metabolic processes.
- Chloroquine phosphate is an antimalarial drug with known side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of chloroquine phosphate on plasma nicotinic acid levels in adult male albino rats.
Main Methods:
- Rats received daily subcutaneous injections of chloroquine phosphate (15 mg/kg) or physiological saline for eleven days.
- Plasma nicotinic acid concentrations were measured throughout the treatment period.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant reduction (P < 0.01) in plasma nicotinic acid levels was observed in the chloroquine phosphate-treated group.
- No significant changes in plasma nicotinic acid levels were noted in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Chloroquine phosphate administration leads to a notable decrease in plasma nicotinic acid levels in rats.
- The observed reduction may be attributed to chloroquine's potential competitive inhibition of the tryptophan dioxygenase enzyme.