A Study of the Effect of Methotrexate and Vitamin A on NOR Expression in Hepatocytes of Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

The effects of methotrexate (MTX) and vitamin Ahich resulted in the reduction in the NOR count. on NOR expression and histopathology in liver of male Wistar rats were evaluated. Male Wistar rats aged 4 months and maintained in our institution, were used in the present study. Animals were injected intraperitoneally with 3 different doses of methotrexate in alternative days for one week and the animals were sacrificed on the seventh day by using ether. Paraffin sections of the liver were prepared and histopathology as well as AgNOR studies were done. The same procedure was repeated with vitamin A and with both vitamin A and methotrexate. MTX treatment showed disruption of normal hepatic plates, vaculation of the hepatocytes, nuclear variability and enlarged blood vessels. When MTX was given with vitamin A, the latter reduced the damage done by MTX. In AgNOR study, data showed an overall decrease in the total NOR count (numerical) from normal to 12 mg dose MTX. The total count includes small, medium and large sized NORs. A statistically high significant difference was found from normal to 12 mg dose MTX as well as between the doses. The genotoxicity in rats is well documented with high dose of methotrexate (12 mg/kg) compared to low dose (8 mg/kg). Methotrexate treatment reduced the transcription rate and ploidy. Methotrexate reduced the cell proliferation w