Abstract

We aimed to assess the effect of well known antioxidant carnosine on disturbed plasma and intra-erythrocytes electrolytes and Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity by cisplatin.  24 male albino Wistar rats were selected and divided into 4 groups: Group I = untreated control; Group II = cisplatin control (received cisplatin at a dose of 3 mg/ kg body weight; i.p. for 13 alternate days); Group III = carnosine alone (treated group at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight; i.p. for 13 consecutive days); Group IV = carnosine + cisplatin pretreated group. Carnosine was administered 30 min prior to cisplatin. Carnosine significantly restored the intra – erythrocytes Na⁺, K⁺ and Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase level which consequently affect the plasma Na⁺, Ca⁺⁺, and Mg⁺⁺ level. Effective role conferred by carnosine exhibits its protective activity.

Key words: Cisplatin, carnosine, electrolytes, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase.