Buprenorphine administration during gestation induces hepatotoxicity in the rat fetus

Farshid Fayaz1, Asghar Zarban2, Michael Aschner3

  • 1Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, 9717853577, Iran.

This study investigated the effect of buprenorphine (BUP) on the livers of pups exposed to this drug during the fetal stage. BUP decreased the activities of serum liver enzymes in exposed animals versus the controls. BUP (0.5 mg/kg) decreased malondialdehyde levels and increased the glutathione levels in the liver of animals versus other groups. The superoxide dismutase activity was elevated in the BUP 0.5 mg/kg group versus the control group. BUP (1 mg/kg) induced histopathological changes in the livers of pups. In conclusion, BUP may induce hepatotoxicity in pups exposed to this drug during the fetal stage.