Histological Alterations of Diazepam & Diclofenac Potassium in the Kidney of Epileptic Rat Model.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of diazepam (an anticonvulsant and anxiolytic agent) and diclofenac potassium (a
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) on the histopathological changes in renal tissues within an experimental rat model
of epilepsy.
Methodology: A total of 32 male Wistar albino rats (2–4 months old, 200–250 g) were randomly assigned to four groups
(n = 8 each): Epilepsy, Epilepsy + Diazepam, Epilepsy + Diclofenac potassium, and Epilepsy + Diazepam + Diclofenac
potassium. Epilepsy was induced by intraperitoneal injection of penicillin under urethane anesthesia, and 30 minutes
after seizure onset, diazepam (0.1 mg/kg), diclofenac potassium (10 mg/kg), or both were administered intraperitoneally.
Kidney tissues were subsequently examined histopathologically for inflammatory infiltration, glomerular atrophy, tubular
dilatation, flattening of the epithelial lining, epithelial shedding, vacuole formation, loss of brush borders, vascular congestion,
and hemorrhage.
Results: No significant differences were observed in vacuolization, glomerular atrophy, tubular dilation, or hemorrhage
between the diazepam and diclofenac potassium groups. However, both treatment groups demonstrated marked reductions
in inflammation, vascular congestion, and thinning of the tubular epithelium compared to the Epilepsy + Diazepam
group. Minimal brush border loss and tubular desquamation were noted in the epilepsy‑only group, but these variables
did not differ significantly among the three treatment groups.
Conclusion: The combined administration of diazepam and diclofenac potassium produced fewer adverse histopathological
alterations in renal tissues compared to their individual use, suggesting that co‑administration may mitigate renal
toxicity and exert a comparatively protective effect.
Keywords: Epilepsy, diclofenac potassium, diazepam, kidney, Wistar albino rats.