Alpha-tocopherol reduces doxorubicin-induced toxicity in rats--histological and biochemical evidences.

The beneficial effect of alpha-tocopherol on doxorubicin-induced toxicity was studied in rats. alpha-Tocopherol (400 mg/kg/day) was administered orally, daily for a period of 2 months along with/without doxorubicin (2.5 mg/kg, i v weekly once for 8 weeks). Histology showed liver necrosis, heart myocyte degeneration, glomerular and tubular degeneration, cellular infiltration and desquammation of intestinal mucosa in doxorubicin treated animals. There was a significant increase in lipid peroxide levels measured in terms of "TBA reactants" in all these organs. These changes were associated with elevated levels of serum enzymes such as transaminases, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. The pathological observations, were minimal in animals receiving both doxorubicin and alpha-tocopherol. The lipid peroxide levels were low with concomitant normal levels of serum and intestinal enzymes in those animals.