Pathological Changes of Rifampicin Toxicity on Some Organs in Rats

Abstract Background: Rifampin, also known as rifampicin (RFP), is one kind of rifamycin group of antibiotics and it is used to treat nontuberculous Mycobacterium infections including leprosy (Hansen’s disease). The purpose of this study was to determine the pathological alterations caused by rifampin poisoning in several organs in rats Materials and Methods: We chose 20 albino rats, both sexes, these were divided into two groups (10 rats per group): a treated group and a control group. In the control group, 1 mL/kg/day of dimethyl sulfoxide was given intraperitoneally for 14 days. Group of drugs, RFP 120 mg/kg/day administered intraperitoneally for 14 days. After the organs, including the liver, kidneys, and spleen, were removed, a tissue slide was prepared, and a histology technique was performed. Results: The results revealed that the liver sections from the treated group exhibited thickening of the capsule, moderate inflammation, and congestion between the interstitial spaces, absence of fibrosis, and small clusters of neutrophils inside the parenchyma. The kidney showed distal and proximal renal tubule degeneration, leading to cytoplasm lysis and vacuolation. The glomerulus also often contracts. Additionally, Bowman’s gap dilation is caused by glomerular capillary atrophy. Casts are also seen in some renal tubules. In the mesangial region (M), cells start to proliferate. Atrophy of glomerular tufts was also seen. Reduced red pulp size and splenic white pulp disarray were seen. The red pulp and white pulp were not separated because the marginal zone was less evident. Compared with the typical rat, the red pulp tended to swell. Not only did sinusoidal gaps sufficiently enlarge, but white blood cell growth was also seen in a few instances. Severe congestion of blood sinuses with the proliferation of megakaryocytes is also seen in the RFP-treated group. It was noted that the toxicant group had greater levels of all changes when compared with the control group. Conclusion: This study concludes that RFP treatment at a dose of 120 mg/kg/day for 14 days causes pathological effects on the liver, kidney, and as well as splenic tissues.