Abstract

Cytogenetic changes in male albino mice due to the effect of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Piroxicam was investigated after daily intraperitoneal injection with 0.3 mg/kg body weight, for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks. The observed structural chromosomal aberrations were in the form of chromatid breakage, centric fusion, centromeric attenuation, ring chromosome and end to end association. At all the treatment periods used the number of cells with chromatid breakages and with total structural aberrations increased to statistically significant levels. Only after one and four weeks of treatment it was noticed that the number of cells with end to end association increased significantly. No significant changes in the mitotic indicies could be detected in all mice groups. The study demonstrated that Piroxicam affects the bone marrow cells where it causes some aberrations in the chromosomes. Thus, Piroxicam should be used under strict medical control, and these serious side effects should be considered and taken in consideration when using Piroxicam in treatments.

Key words: Cytogenecity, chromosomes, Piroxicam.