Fluvoxamine administration attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced pancreatic damage

Abstract

Objective: Certain types of bacteria contain lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which can cause widespread inflammation in the body, including the pancreas. Fluvoxamine (FLV), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for psychiatric disorders, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial in conditions involving tissue damage and inflammation. This study aims to evaluate the potential protective effects of FLV against experimentally induced pancreatic disease in rats using LPS. Material and Method: In this experiment, a total of 32 Wistar albino male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, LPS (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)), LPS + FLV (50 mg/kg FLV, i.p.) and FLV. The rats were euthanatized 6 hours after the administration of LPS, and serum and pancreas tissue samples were collected during the necropsy for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical evaluations. Results: According to the study findings, LPS lowered blood glucose levels. Histological examination showed that LPS caused edema, mild infiltration of inflammatory cells, increased vacuolization in the cells of the Langerhans islet, and severe hyperemia. Immunohistochemical investigations revealed a reduction in the expression of insulin and amylin. The biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical outcomes were improved by FLV. Conclusion: The results of this experimental rat model study indicated that LPS causes damage to the endocrine pancreas. However, FLV demonstrated significant ameliorative effects on the pancreas in rats with LPS-induced pancreatitis.