Hydroxychloroquine Induces Changes in Brain Oscillations in Electrocorticographic Records Not Concurrent with Alterations in Cardiac and Biochemical

A toxicity of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) can affect the functioning of vital organs, in addition to causing ocular and cardiovascular damage. This study aims to assess the toxicity of hydroxychloroquine through electrocorticographic evaluation and blood biochemical parameters in Wistar rats. The animals were subjected to an HCQ dose of 350mg/kg via intraperitoneal (i.p) every 12 hours for periods of 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 96 hours, with each group containing n=9. After the treatments, the animals underwent electrocorticogram in the motor cortex, electrocardiogram, and blood samples were subjected to biochemical tests for hepatic and renal function. At high doses, HCQ altered the electrocorticographic trace of the animals, decreased cardiac activity throughout the treatment, and significantly increased the values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Evaluation of renal function after administration of high doses of HCQ, as determined by serum creatinine levels, did not show significant changes. The results indicate that exposure to high doses of HCQ in rats can alter structures and functions of vital organs.