Abstract

This study presents baseline data on the effect of sildenafil citrate on some of the haematological and biochemical parameters in wistar rats with diabetes and wound formation. Forty two albino rats weighing between 139 and 225 g were separated at random into seven groups (A, B, C, D, E, F and G) of six rats per group. Type 1 diabetes mellitus was induced in groups A, B, C and D by a single intra-peritoneal injection of 130 mg/kg Alloxan. Rats in group A were treated with orally dose of 50 mg/kg sildenafil citrate for 21 days and rats in group B were administered 10 IU of insulin intramuscularly once and sildenafil citrate as in Group A. The rats in group C were treated with a single dose of 10 IU of insulin intramuscularly, and rats in group D with only distilled water. Groups E and F were normal rats with wounds similar to those of diabetic rats in the previous groups and each rat in group E was also treated with sildenafil citrate as in Group A and those in group F were treated with only distilled water. Group G were normal rats without wound treated with sildenafil citrate as in Group A. Blood samples were taken before (day 0) and after the administration of the sildenafil citrate on day 7, 14 and 21. The results of the study showed significant decreased in red blood cells count from 6.28 ± 0.46 × 10⁶ to 2.81 ± 0.46 × 10⁶ in diabetic rats during the 14 days of treatment with sildenafil citrate, however, there was an indication that continues treatment for up to 21 days reduced the blood glucose and increased the red blood cells count and this may be an indication that sildenafil citrate improves insulin mediated glucose pathways.

Keywords: Diabetes, Haematological parameters, Rats, Red blood cells, Sildenafil citrate