ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the red blood cell membrane physiology in ribavirin induced hemolysis in rats and possible protective role of alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) against ribavirin induced hemolysis in RBCs of rats.

Subjects and Methods: This experimental study was conducted Isra University Hyderabad with collaboration of at Animal house of department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam. Total 30 albino Wistar rats was selected and were divided into 3 groups like A (controls), and experimental groups B given ribavirin only for 4 weeks, Groups C were given Ribavirin and alpha tocopherol. All drugs were used for 4 weeks as an oral dose daily. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility test was performed with NaCl solutions of difference osmotic concentrations. Data was collected via study proforma.

Results: Total 30 rates were studied by divding different groups. Body weight of all animals was found to be statistically insignificant. Average of the red blood cells was found significantly decreased in only ribavrion administrated group as compared to control group and ribavirin+vitamin E administrated group (p-0.045). Mean of MCV, MCHC and HCT were higher in ribavirin+vitamin E administrated group as compared to only ribavrion administrated group.

Conclusion: It was concluded that alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) have protective role against ribavirin induced hemolysis in RBCs of rats.

Keywords: Ribavirin, Hemolysis, Lutein