Abstract
Introduction: Tramadol is a synthetic centrally acting analgesic with effects similar to those of codeine and 10 times less than morphine. Tramadol has a wide range of applications mostly in the treatment of moderate to severe, acute or chronic pain. Curcumin, the active component of Curcuma longa, has antioxidative, anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties.
Aim of the Work: The aim of the study was to detect the toxic effects of tramadol on the histological structure of the renal tissue in adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of curcumin against these effects.
Material and Methods: 30 adult albino rats were used. The animals were divided into three equal groups: Group I: (control group): Animals were given normal saline orally by intragastric tube in a dose of 25ml/kg every day for one month. Group (II): Animals were given Tramadol Hydrochloride in a dose of 25mg/kg orally by intragastric tube every day for one month. Group (III): Animals were given Tramadol Hy-drochloride in a dose of 25mg/kg and Curcumin solution in a dose of 80mg/kg orally by intragastric every day for one month. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anaesthetized by ether then perfused with saline then with the appropriate fixator, the kidney was obtained and subjected to light and transmission electron microscopic studies.
Results: Tramadol caused damage, shrinkage and lobula-tion of renal glomeruli. It also caused dilatation in the distal and proximal convoluted tubules with loss of their brush borders as seen by light and electron microscope. Adminis-tration of curcumin improved the structure of the renal glomer-uli, proximal and distal convoluted tubules.
Conclusion: Tramadol caused damage in the renal cortex with dilatation of tubules. The addition of curcumin partially improved these toxic effects.