Evaluation of Antioxidant Effects ‎of Furosemide Antihypertensive ‎Drug in Broiler Chickens Under ‎Induced Pulmonary Hypertension ‎‎(Ascites) Syndrome

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of furosemide on oxidative stress, mortality due to ascites and some blood parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 450 Ross 308 days-old chicks were assigned to 3 groups (control and two treatments of 30 and 60 ppm zamide) in a completely randomized design with 5 replications and 30 chicks per replicate. The birds were subjected to a special cold temperature program to induce ascites. Blood parameters: red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, white blood cells, activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase and oxidative stress parameters such as; Plasma antioxidant capacity, plasma malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity, glucose, protein, triglyceride, cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were measured. Performance parameters of body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were also evaluated. Deaths were recorded daily and described to differentiate the cause of death and determine ascites. The results showed that administration of 60 ppm of furosemide significantly reduced weight and feed intake as well as improved feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). In addition, furosemide, significantly decreased ascites index and ascites losses (P<0.05). Also, level of 60 ppm furosemide, increased white blood cells, plasma antioxidant capacity, glutathione-peroxidase activity). Decreased plasma protein, malondialdehyde and activity of plasma aspartate, aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine kinase (P<0.05). The results of this research show that the level of 60 ppm Furosemide can reduce the problems caused by high blood pressure in birds with this metabolic syndrome by improving its antioxidant status.