Effects of vitamin E and prednisolone on biochemical and haematological parameters in endotoxaemic New Zealand white rabbits

Effects of prednisolone and vitamin E on biochemical and haematological values were investigated in endotoxaemic rabbits. Forty rabbits were used and divided into four equal groups. Group 1 served as the control group; group 2 was infused with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 6 h; group 3 was injected with prednisolone before LPS administration; group 4 was injected with vitamin E for 4 consecutive days before LPS administration. Serum and blood samples were collected 8 h after the onset of LPS injection. Serum myoglobin, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, amylase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, globulin, total protein, cholesterol, total lipids, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, sodium, potassium and magnesium contents were measured. Red blood cell, white blood cell, platelet counts and percentage of differential leukocyte values were determined. It was found that prednisolone and vitamin E had a protective effect in endotoxaemic shock. Prednisolone was more effective in endotoxaemia than vitamin E.