HISTOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF FEXOFENADINE ON SALIVARY GLAND IN RATS

Fexofenadine is a newly introduced oral non-sedating agent used for allergic diseases. We sought to investigate the effects of the use of fexofenadine on the salivary gland of adult male albino rats. 30 adult male albino rats were classified randomly into 3 groups, as follows: Group A (control group) which consisted of 10 healthy rats. Group B (treated group) which consisted of 10 rats received FEX 5mg/kg/day, and Group C (treated group) which consisted of 10 rats received FEX 10mg/kg/day. Blood samples were obtained to assess serum levels of Thioredoxin reductase (TRX) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Salivary glands were removed and prepared for histological examination. This study showed that significantly (p<0.05) higher TRX and MDA levels were observed in group B and group C, compared to group A. The histological examination for salivary tissues revealed degenerative changes in serous cells of acini were present with deep pyknotic nuclei. Vacuolar cytoplasmic degeneration is also seen in other certain cells. Blood congestion was present in the intralobular blood vessels, particularly around the striated ducts. The glandular secretion duct contained mucus and serous secretion and the wall of the duct was surrounded by many WBCs with macrophage. Fexofenadine hydrochloride use induces remarkable histopathological changes with dose-dependent response and remarkably linked to elevation of oxidative stress markers.