Introduction: Pain is a disturbing condition that may increase postoperative patient complains. Moderate to severe postoperative pain require the use of more potent analgesics such as Nefopam, a centrally acting non-opioid analgesic. Despite its common use, the effect of nefopam on the histology of lung, kidney and heart is not well documented.
Aim of the Work: The goal of this work is to explore the changes induced by nefopam on the lung, kidney, and heart tissues and investigate the protective role of black seed oil (Nigella sativa oil) on these tissues.
Material and Methods: Eighteen adult healthy albino rats of both sexes were randomly divided into three groups, 6 rats in each. Group I considered as a control group. Group II received intraperitoneal Nefopam (10 mg/kg body weight) for one month. Group III received black seed oil orally (0.2 ml /kg) through oral gavage one day preceding each intraperitoneal injection of Nefopam for one month period. Lung, kidney and heart of the three groups were removed and prepared for histological examination by light microscope. Morphometric measurements were done to compare some parameters among the groups.
Results: Compared to control, several pathological changes were seen in Nefopam treated rats. Sections of lungs revealed inflammatory cell infiltration as well as emphysematous dilatation of the alveoli. Shrinkage of the glomerular tuft with widening of the urinary spaces was seen in kidney sections. On the other hand, heart section showed sever congestion and haemorrhage of the blood vessels and oedema in between the cardiac muscle fibers. Pretreatment with black seed oil efficiently alleviate the changes induced by Nefopam on the lung, kidney and heart tissue and reverts the abnormal structure to become near normal.
Conclusion: Nefopam induces marked structural changes in the lung, kidney and heart of albino rats. These changes were effectively reversed by pretreatment with black seed oil.