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Estrogen-Like Effect of Bazi Bushen Capsule in Ovariectomized Rats
Published on: April 7, 2023
A stereological study of the effects of antidepressants on postmenopausal rat kidney
E Kurtoglu Ozdes1, B Z Altunkaynak2, O G Deniz3
1Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Memorial Hizmet Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Many factors can cause depression including genes (DNA), brain chemistry or stress. Antidepressant drugs affect the brain, heart, liver and kidney. We investigated the effects of the antidepressant drugs, amitriptyline (AMI) and paroxetine (PARO) on kidney. We used 24 adult female rats that were ovariectomized bilaterally 7 days before the experiment. The ovariectomized (OVX) animals and healthy control rats were divided into four equal groups for 4 weeks: control group, OVX control group (sham), AMI group and PARO group. Following the experimental period, the Cavalieri method was applied to sections of the kidney. PARO produced adverse effects on distal and proximal tubule volume, but AMI had no effect on the volume of distal and proximal tubules. Both PARO and AMI decreased the volume of Bowman spaces. PARO also damaged the kidney tubules and cells.
Insights
This study shows that paroxetine, an antidepressant, can harm kidney tubules and cells in rats. Amitriptyline, another antidepressant, did not show these adverse kidney effects.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Antidepressant medications like amitriptyline (AMI) and paroxetine (PARO) are widely used but can affect multiple organs.
- The kidney is a potential target for drug-induced toxicity, necessitating investigation into the renal effects of common antidepressants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific effects of amitriptyline (AMI) and paroxetine (PARO) on kidney structure and function in an experimental model.
- To compare the nephrotoxic potential of AMI versus PARO in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats.
Main Methods:
- Ovariectomized (OVX) and control female rats were administered AMI or PARO for 4 weeks.
- Kidney tissue sections were analyzed using the Cavalieri method to assess volumetric changes in renal structures.
- Histopathological examination was performed to evaluate kidney tubule and cellular damage.
Main Results:
- Paroxetine (PARO) significantly reduced the volume of distal and proximal tubules and damaged kidney tubules and cells.
- Amitriptyline (AMI) did not affect the volume of distal and proximal tubules.
- Both PARO and AMI led to a decrease in the volume of Bowman spaces in the kidneys.
Conclusions:
- Paroxetine (PARO) exhibits nephrotoxic effects, causing damage to kidney tubules and cells, and altering tubule and Bowman space volumes.
- Amitriptyline (AMI) appears to have a safer renal profile compared to PARO, with no observed adverse effects on tubule volumes, although it also decreased Bowman space volume.
