L-Arginine Oral Supplementation Reverses Hematological and Electrolytes Imbalances in Adrenaline-Induced Myocardial Injury in Rats

Background and Objective: L-arginine is a precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) molecule that is used in the management of vascular disorders including myocardial ischemia. This study investigated the effect of L-arginine on some haematological parameters and serum electrolytes levels in adrenaline-induced myocardial injury rats. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats of both sexes were assigned to five groups of 10 rats each. The control group received rat chow and water daily. L-arginine+myocardial injury group received 200 mg kgG 1 b.wt., of L-arginine orally first for 14 days followed by intramuscular induction of myocardial injury (MI) with 2 mg kgG 1 of adrenaline for 2 days. In the myocardial injury+L-arginine group, myocardial injury was induced first with 2 mg kgG 1 of adrenaline followed by administration of 200 mg kgG 1 of L-arginine for 14 days. The L-arginine only group received 200 mg kgG 1 of L-arginine for 14 days while the myocardial injury only group received 2 mg kgG 1 of adrenaline for 2 days. Results: MI caused a significant (p<0.01) decrease in serum nitric oxide, RBC, hematocrit, haemoglobin, platelet and leukocytosis which was reversed by L-arginine supplementation. Serum electrolytes levels of Na + , ClG and HCO 3 G were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the MI group but was increased following treatment with L-arginine. Conclusion: L-arginine promotes erythropoiesis, raises serum nitric oxide level and maintains serum electrolytes level in adrenaline-induced myocardial injury in rats.