COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GABAPENTSAL AND GABAPENTIN INDUCED HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN LIVER AND KIDNEY TISSUES OF A MURINE EXPERIMENTAL MODEL

ABSTRACT Objectives Gabapentin is widely used in the treatment of neuropathic diseases. Gabapentsal, a Schiff-based derivative of gabapentin, has diverse biological activities and a lower toxicity profile. This study aims to evaluate and compare the histological effects of gabapentsal and gabapentin on the liver and kidneys in a murine model. Material and Methods Thirty mice were divided into five groups, with six animals in each group. Group I (the control group) received normal saline. Groups II and III were treated with Gabapentin (2.5mg/kg and 5mg/kg respectively), while Groups IV and V were given Gabapentsal (2.5mg/kg and 5mg/kg respectively) via oral gavage for up to eight weeks. After the animals were anesthetized with chloral hydrate, liver and kidney tissues were collected for histological examination using H&E stain. Results Liver tissue from gabapentin-treated groups showed lobular cellular infiltration, dilatation of the central vein, severe inflammation in the portal/periportal area, hemorrhage, and distortion of hepatic architecture compared to the normal group. In contrast, the gabapentin-treated groups showed intact hepatic architecture, no changes in sinusoids or central vein but mild lobular and portal/periportal inflammation. The kidney tissue of the Gabapentin-treated groups showed severe dilatation of the glomeruli and blood vessels, and inflammatory cell infiltration, while the kidney tissue of Gabapentsal-treated mice showed mild architectural damage, dilated glomeruli and blood vessels, and inflammatory cell infiltration compared to the normal tissues. Conclusion Gabapentsal produces fewer toxic effects on kidney and liver tissue compared to Gabapentin-treated animals.