N. F. Okoye ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹, D. C. Belonwu ¹, N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. P.M.B 5323, Port Harcourt, NG

Abstract

Microgynon (0.15mg levonorgestrel and 0.03mg ethinylestradiol), is an oral contraceptives Primolut -N a mini pill (5mg norethisterone) were analysed for their in-vivo effects on albino rat plasma sodium and potassium levels. Studies showed that the drugs decreased sodium levels with microgynon showing the highest decrease of 29.85% at highest concentration level of 3.6μg /100g (94.00 ± 28.50mmol/l) (P < 0.05), followed by Primulot-N (102 ± 28.50 mmol/l). Investigations also revealed that the drugs decreased plasma potassium levels. Microgynon had the highest decrease of 88.88% for the highest dose of 3.60μg/100g body wt, while the lowest decrease of 22.22% was observed for the lowest dose of 0.36μg/100g).The sodium element plays an important role in salt and water balance in the body. The metabolism of sodium and potassium is closely linked with the maintenance of fluid balance and with the regulation of acid-base status, Elevated levels are related to acidosis as well as too much water crossing the cell membrane. The potassium element is found primarily inside the cells of the body. The random use of the drugs in our society today especially as most women abuse these drugs demands for more biochemical research to elucidate the effects of these drugs not only on the hormones but also on other biochemical parameters like the body electrolytes. This result indicates that laboratory tests are needed for women before using these drugs.

Keywords

Microgynon, Primulot-n, Plasma Sodium and Potassium

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N. F. Okoye ¹, A. A. Uwakwe ¹, D. C. Belonwu ¹, N. C. Nwachoko ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. P.M.B 5323, Port Harcourt, NG

Abstract

Oral contraceptives namely Microgynon a combined pill (0.15mg levonorgestrel and 0.03mg ethinylestradiol) and Primolut -N a mini pill (5mg norethisterone) were analysed for their in-vivo effects on albino rat plasma and erythrocyte aspartate amino transferase (AST). The in-vivo effects of the oral contraceptives on albino rat plasma and erythrocyte AST showed that the drugs inhibited the activity of the enzymes in a concentration dependent manner. The effect of the drugs on the enzymes were also time dependent with the highest inhibition obtained at 24 hours duration while the least inhibition occurred at 2 hours duration Microgynon showed the highest inhibition (7.00 ± 0.00 vs. control 31.00 ± 0.00 U/L) (P < 0.05) followed by Primolut (16.00 ± 0.00 vs. control 27.00 ± 4.00 U/L). The erythrocyte AST activity was also inhibited. The highest inhibition values obtained were Microgynon (36.00 ± 0.00 U/L) then Primolut (41.00 ± 0.00 U/L). The least inhibition values obtained were Microgynon and Primolut (67.00 ± 0.00). The in-vivo effects of the oral contraceptives on rat plasma and erythrocyte ALT showed that the drugs activated the activity of the enzymes in a concentration dependent manner. The effect of the drugs on the enzymes were also time dependent with the highest activation obtained at 24 hours duration while the least activation occurred at 2 hours duration. Primolut showed the highest activation (18.00 ± 0.00 U/L). The erythrocyte enzymes showed higher activity than the plasma enzymes. Microgynon showed the highest activity (50.00 ± 2.00 U/L). This result indicates that liver function tests are needed for women before using these drugs.

Keywords

Microgynon, Primolut –N

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