Effect of chronic administration of chloroquine on the gastrocnemius muscle, spleen and brain of Swiss albino mice

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of chloroquine on some vital tissues of mice (Mus musculus). Healthy adult male Swiss albino mice weighing between 30-40 g were used for the study. Treated group was exposed to 200 mg/kg body weight/day of chloroquine phosphate given orally for 45 days. Control animals were given distilled water for the same period. Gastrocnemius muscle, spleen and brain tissues were biochemically investigated post-treatment. The results obtained showed a significant increase in protein levels of the gastrocnemius muscle ( P<0.001), brain (P<0.001) and spleen (P<0.05). The total lipid content of both muscle and brain showed a highly significant increase ( P<0.001) while the cholesterol level was increased significantly (P<0.05) only in spleen. Ascorbic acid also exhibited a significant increase ( P<0.001) in muscle. Histological examination of muscle and spleen also revealed concomitant changes in histoarchitecture. Thus the use of choloroquine for longer periods requires strict monitoring as chronic usage may lead to the development of many detrimental effects in the host.