Hemostatic Parameters in Administration of Graded Doses of Hydrocortisone in Wistar Rats
Author(s): Omoirri Moses Aziakpono, Oraekei Daniel Ikechukwu, Mbata Uchenna Chisom, Ataihire Johnson Uyovwiesevwa,
Chukwuemeka Charles Ofili and Bogwu Ngozi Ukamaka
Clinical trials have shown that an even newer compound, hydrocortisone, might be a more potent hemostatic agent and less likely to cause
side-effects than any other known corticosteroid. This study investigated the changes in selected hemostatic parameters; clotting time,
bleeding time, platelets count and serum fibrinogen levels in albino wistar rats, following administration of graded doses of hydrocortisone.
Forty-two (42) adult male albino rats of the wistar strain were procured, then, randomly grouped into seven (7) of six (6) rats each. With
Group A receiving normal diets and rat water ad libitum (Control), Groups B – G were respectively fed with standard diets and graded doses
of hydrocortisone (for two weeks) as; 2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, 6 mg/kg, 8 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 12 mg/kg respectively. Following two weeks
administration period, rats were then euthanized, blood samples obtained (by cardiac puncture) and passed under diethyl ether to determine
hemostatic parameters. Using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), obtained serum was also compared for total platelet count
and fibrinogen concentration. Careful observation revealed that hydrocortisone in higher doses decreased bleeding and clotting time, with
noticeable significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum platelet and fibrinogen counts. However, treatments with vitamin E reversed this effect
in high dosed hydrocortisone groups by increasing bleeding and clotting time, while decreasing fibrinogen levels and platelet count in turn.
Thus, demonstrating hydrocortisone as potent in hemostasis, possibly by its role in significantly decreasing bleeding and clotting times, and
also promoting hemostatic factors with significant increase in fibrinogen and platelet counts.
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