Effect of a Single and Triple Dose of Levamisole on Hematological Parameters in Controlled Inflammation Model

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The inflammatory reaction in the body is a very complex process linked with a series of changes in many parameters, including hematological ones. Levamisole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic used in veterinary medicine. This antiparasitic agent is furthermore suspected of immunomodulatory activity. Therefore, this study is focused on the immunostimulating effect of single and triple doses of levamisole on hematological parameters. During the experiment, it was observed how levamisole modified the inflammatory response to carrageenan in the rat pleural cavity. This study showed the immunomodulatory effect of levamisole on the blood parameters and mild reduction in pneumonia in histopathological examination. ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of single and triple administration of levamisole on the dynamics of hematological parameters during experimental pleuritis. The experiment was performed on female Buffalo rats. Rats were randomly assigned to two equal groups that received 1 and 3 doses of levamisole every 2, 24 and 48 h, respectively. Following the experiment, blood samples for the measurement of hematological parameters were collected. The study group receiving three doses of levamisole observed a significant reduction of red blood cell count at 48 h post administration and an increase in mean corpuscular volume compared to the control inflammation group. The administration of a single dose of levamisole results in a significant increase in hematocrit at 72 h, an increase in white blood cell count at 24 h and 72 h, and an increase in neutrophil count at 72 h compared to the control inflammation group. Administration of a single and triple dose of levamisole showed statistically significant modification of some hematological parameters and thus modulates the inflammatory process. In the lungs, this results in a reduction in leukocyte infiltrations around the bronchi and blood vessels.