Adverse effects of high-dose paracetamol on thyroid gland of female rats

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine whether paracetamol, an analgesic whose mechanism of action is not yet fully known but used unconsciously, causes toxicity on the thyroid gland. Materials and Methods: A total of 25 female Wistar albino rats divided into five groups as Control (C), Paracetamol 7 days (P7), Paracetamol 14 days (P14), Paracetamol 21 days (P21) and Paracetamol 28 days (P28). The Paracetamol groups were given 750 mg/kg/day paracetamol via oral gavage administration until the day they were sacrificed. Routine histological procedures were applied to the removed thyroid glands. Thyroid tissue sections were evaluated morphometrically and histopathologically. Results: Cytoplasmic vacuolization and deterioration in follicle and colloid structures were detected in follicular epithelial cells in thyroid tissue sections of groups given paracetamol. The mean of follicle diameter measurement of the P7 group was significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.05). In all paracetamol groups, the mean follicular epithelium height increased significantly compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion:These results show that high doses of paracetamol cause toxic effects on the thyroid gland depending on the duration of use.