THE POSSIBLE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF OXYTOCIN ON CISPLATIN-INDUCED TOXICITY IN FEMALE RATS

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the protective effect of oxytocin against
cisplatin-induced liver, renal spleen and ovarian toxicities in female Sprague Dawly
rats. Cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg, i.p. single dose) caused significant increase in blood urea,
serum creatinine, liver enzymes: AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase. Cisplatin caused
decrease in catalase and reduced glutathione meanwhile it caused increase in the
malondialdehyde content of kidney, liver and spleen homogenates. On the other hand,
administration of oxytocin (800 μg/kg i.p) for six days with injection of a single dose
of cisplatin onset of the day 3, ameliorated the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and
hepatotoxicity as indicated by the restoration of kidney, liver functions and oxidative
stress biomarkers. Furthermore, oxytocin reduced the histopathological changes
induced by cisplatin and caused decreased expression of caspase-3 in immunehistochemical
studies of liver, kidney, spleen and ovarian tissues. In conclusion,
oxytocin showed protective effects against cisplatin-induced toxicity in female rats
due to its antioxidant and immunomodulatory functions.