Research Articles

Effect of Crack Cocaine on the Histology of the Kidney of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Crack cocaine is highly addictive and is produced by the conversion of cocaine, a fine white crystallized powder substance, into a smokable form that could be sold in smaller portions but distributed to more people. The name crack is attributed to the crackling noise that is made when the substance is smoked. The aim of this study is to determine the histological effect of crack cocaine on the kidney of adult albino Wistar rat. A total of forty (40) adult AlbinoWistar rats of comparable sizes were used for this study. They were divided into four equal groups (A – D) with ten (10) rats each. Group A served as the control and the rats were given distilled water and feed only. In addition to feed and water, groups B rats were given 0.5 ml crack cocaine extract and crack cocaine extract, group C rats were given 2 ml crack cocaine extract, and group D rats were given 5 ml crack cocaine extract respectively. The drug administration was given daily for 14 days (2 weeks) and the weights of both the test and control animals was monitored before and after administration of crack cocaine extract. The administration of thecrack cocaine extract was given orally. The results of this study show no significant (p ≥ 0.05) alterations in the kidney histology of test wistar rats administered with crack cocaine when compared with the non-cocaine administered group. In conclusion, despite any perceived absence of immediate side effects, the use of cocaine can have insidious long-term consequences on kidney health. The drug’s vasoconstrictive properties, potential for hypertension, disruption of blood flow, and induction of oxidative stress can collectively contribute to histological changes within kidney tissues.