Exploring novel medical applications for commonly used veterinary drug (tilmicosin antibiotic)

Fatma I Abo El-Ela^1* and El-Banna HA²

¹Lecturer of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt

²Professor of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, PO Box 12211 Giza, Egypt

*Address for Correspondence: Fatma I Abo El-Ela, Lecturer of pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt, Tel: +201152460404, Fax: +20822327982; Email: fa.pharma@yahoo.com; fatma.aboel3la@vet.bsu.edu.eg

Dates: Submitted: 02 August 2017; Approved: 28 August 2017Published: 31 August 2017

How to cite this article: El-Ela FIA, El-Banna HA. Exploring novel medical applications for commonly used veterinary drug (tilmicosin antibiotic). Insights Vet Sci. 2017; 1: 001-016. DOI: 10.29328/journal.ivs.1001001

Copyright License: © 2017 El-Ela FIA, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Keywords: Tilmicosin; Anti-oxidant; Wound healing; Rats

Pharmacoepidemiology is a relatively new branch of pharmacological science that explores beneϐicial effect or toxicity of drugs [1] while Pharmacovigilence any activities belong to determination, detection, understanding and prevention of drugs adverse effects or other related problems [2]. On the same way it’s important to explore the beneϐicial effects of commonly used veterinary drug like tilmicosin especially in the best of our knowledge no tilmicosin resistance had been reported.

Macrolide antibiotics are structurally similar drugs with bacteriostatic effect. Large number of drugs in this class had been isolated from genus Streptomyces of the soil bacteria [3]. Tilmicosin is a 16-membered semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic acts by inhibiting the bacterial protein synthesis through binding with 50S ribosomal subunit [4]. Its high dose has some adverse effects like cardio-toxic, anaphylaxis, temporary swelling at the site of injection and collapse [5,6] even though, tilmicosin has an important role in treatment of ulcer treatment and wound healing as will be investigated in this study. The macrolide antibiotic like clarithromycin drug is, till now, one of the most active antimicrobial agents against Helicobacter pylori in vitro [7]. It is relatively stable in the presence of gastric acid [8], so it’s important to determine the effect of tilmicosin on induced ulcer in rats.

Wound healing is a complex process involving four overlapping processes, namely, hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling [9]. Antibiotics besides their antibacterial effects its will be better is also help the wound healing process so it would be beneficial to clearly identify if tilmicosin ointment help the healing process.

Liver diseases remain as one of the serious health problems. However we do not have satisfactory liver protective drugs [10]. In the best of our knowledge no work has been reported on the hepatoprotective properties of tilmicosin, so evaluating its effect on liver function of important role by paracetamol induced liver damage in rats.

The aim of this study was to explore the beneficial activity of commonly used drugs in veterinary medicine like tilmicosin and give idea about its Pharmacoepidemiology or Pharmacovigilence.

Experimental animals

Rats obtained from Physiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University. All animals were kept in a standard laboratory conditions at temperature of 22±3°C, 60±5% humidity and a 12 hours light/dark cycle. The experiments were carried out according to the National regulations animal welfare and institutional animal Ethical Committee (IAEC) and also according to ethical treatment of experimented animals in Beni-Suef University. Mature albino rats of both sexes, 200-250 gm b.wt. were used for studying investigation the wound healing, ulcer prevention, the anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory effects. Mature mice of 20-40 grams body weight of both sexes were used for evaluation the analgesic effect and the hypnotic effect. Whereas, Female rats were used for studying the effect of the drug on isolated uteri at different stages of sex cycle. Finally mature rabbits of either sexes weighing 1.5-2kg body weight were used for investigation the effect of the tilmicosin phosphate on isolated duodenal motility.

Medications

Experimental design: Rats in each study equally divided into 4 groups, control group, standard (which differ according to the experiment) and the treated groups by two different doses (20 and 40) mg/kg b.wt. According to the previous literature and acute Toxcisty of tilmicosin in rats [5] (Table 1).

Evaluation the anti-ulcerogenic effect of tilmicosin phosphate

A total of 24 rats of both sexes equally divided into 4 group’s control non-treated, standard (Ranitidine®, 50 mg/kg b.wt.) and treated groups (20 and 40 mg/kg b.wt.). All drugs were given orally, once daily, for 6 days. At 7th day, animals were starved for 24 hours but allowed free access to water except for the last hour before ulcer induction. Gastric ulcer was induced by oral administration of absolute ethanol in a dose level of 5 ml/kg body weight for all groups then oral administration of Ranitidine® for the second group and tilmicosin phosphate for third and fourth groups after one hour. Oral administration of absolute ethanol induces gastric lesion in rats as recorded by [11] with slight modification and the method of its calculation according to [12]. The gastric mucosa was inspected for the occurrence of ulcers and their numbers were counted with the aid of an illuminated magnifying lens (10x) as [13]. The sum of the total length of long ulcers and hemorrhagic spots in each group of rats was divided by the number of animals to calculate the ulcer index (mm) [12]. The percentage of protection was calculated according to the method described by [14].

$\text{\% of protection }=\frac{\left(\text{ulcer index of control}-\text{ulcer index of treated}\right)}{\text{ulcer index of control}} \text{X }100$

Measurements of the wound healing activity

Total of 18 rats of both sexes weighing 150-200 gm b.wt. were used. After induction of anesthesia by I/P injection of ketamine 5% (90 mg/kg b.wt.) and xylazine hydrochloride 2% (5 mg/kg b.wt.), the fur of each rat was aseptically removed and predetermined area marked on the back of animals. Surgical wound of (1cm x 1cm) was made on the back of each rat after keeping them on ventral posture. The wound healing activity of the tilmicosin phosphate was determined according to the method stated by [15]. Rats divided into control, standard (Fucidine® ointment) and treated (tilmicosin ointment 10% based on Vaseline). The ointments were topically applied daily, starting 2 h post-operation, on the wound area until wound completely healed. All rats were monitored daily and any wound fluid or evidence of infection or other abnormalities were noted. Wound contraction percentage and wound closure time were used to assess wound-healing activity. The wound size was computed on days 4, 8, 12 and 16 day post-operation. The wound healing percentage was calculated by the Walker formula [16].

$\text{Percentage of wound size }=\frac{\text{Wound area on day X}}{\text{Wound area on day zero}}\text{X }100$

Assessment of the Hepatotoxicity

Hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol (400 mg/kg b.wt.) oral administration for seven days. Five groups divided into control negative group which received D.W, Control positive administered paracetamol, standard group received 200 mg/kg b.wt. of standard drug Silymarin and paracetamol, treated group administered tilmicosin phosphate and paracetamol for seven days [17].

Sample collection

Animals of all the groups were sacrificed by cervical decapitation after anesthesia with Ketamine mixed with xylazine with (0.1ml/100gm)on eighth day. Blood sample of each group was collected separately into sterilized dry centrifuge tubes and allowed to coagulate for 30 min at 370.

Evaluation of effect on biochemical variables 

The clear serum obtained after centrifugation was used for the estimation of serum alanine amino transferase, serum aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, serum protein, cholesterol [18].

Histopathology study

Liver is dissected out and the liver samples were excised from the experimental animals of each group and washed with the normal saline. Initially the materials were fixed in 10% buffered neutral formalin and then with bovine solution.They were processed for paraffin embeddingfollowing the microtome technique.

The sections were taken at 5μ thickness processed in alcoholxylene series and were stained with haematoxylin and eosin.The sections were examined microscopically for the evaluation of histopathological changes.

Evaluation the Analgesic effect of tilmicosin phosphate

Hot plate method: Twenty mice of both sexes, weighing 20-30 gm served as control, standard Paracetamol® (50 mg/kg b.wt.) and treated groups. The analgesic effect of tilmicosin phosphate was determined using hot plate method as described by [19]. Each mouse was placed individually in a beaker of two liters capacity set over hot plate thermostatically controlled adjusted at (56±0.5oC). The time elapsed until the mouse licks its paw or jumps, was considered as reaction time for the analgesic activity. The reaction time was recorded at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 5h after administration of tilmicosin phosphate and Paracetamol®.

Writhing test: An acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction (writhing test) in mice was performed according to [20]. For this purpose twenty mice of both sexes weighing 20-30 gm were divided into four equal groups as the same previous classified groups. After 30 minutes, each mouse was injected intraperitoneally 0.7% of an aqueous solution of acetic acid (10 ml/kg b.wt.) and the mice were then placed in transparent boxes for observation. The number of animals showing writhes in each treated group was counted every one h for four hrs. after acetic acid injection and compared to that of the control group. The number of writhes was recorded and the percentage of protection was calculated using the following equation:

$\text{Percentage of protection }=\frac{\text{No}.\text{ of animals that didn't writhe}}{\text{Original no}.\text{ of animals}}\text{X}100$

Tail immersion method: The animals (20 mice) were screened for sensitivity by immersing the tail of the mice gently in hot water maintained at 55-55.5oC. For this purpose twenty mice of both sexes weighing 20-30 gm were divided into four equal groups as the same previous classified groups. Following administration of the samples, reaction time was measured at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min [21].

Evaluation of the Anti-pyretic effect

Twenty fasting rats divided into four equal group’s control, standard (paracetamol, 150 mg/kg b.wt.) and treated with tilmicosin (20 and 40 mg/kg b.wt.). Basal rectal temperature was recorded for each rat using digital thermometer then hyperthermia was induced by subcutaneous injection of 12.5% yeast suspension in normal saline solution at dose level of 1ml/100 g body weights. After 18 hrs. the elevated body temperature of each rat was rectally measured (animals that showed elevations of 0.3-0.5°C in rectal temperature were selected). The antipyretic effect of the tilmicosin phosphate was determined according to [22]. Rectal temperature of each rat was then recorded for four hours at one hour interval.

Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory effect

Equal different four groups of rats, control, standard (diclofenac sodium in a dose of (30 mg/kg body weight, orally) and tilmicosin treated groups. The thickness of the left hind paw of each rat was measured in mm. After 30 min of tilmicosin phosphate administration, inflammation was induced by subcutaneous injection of 0.1 ml of formalin (6%) in normal saline into the left hind paw of all animals. The paw thickness was measured hourly for four hrs post administration of the tilmicosin phosphate [23].

Evaluation the effect of Tilmicosin phosphate on sleeping time

Fifteen mice of both sexes weighing 20-30 gm were divided into three groups (eight mice of each), control and treated (20 and 40 mg/kg b.wt.). After one hour all groups were intraperitoneally injected with thiopental sodium at dose level of 30 mg/kg body weight. The time elapsed from losing to regain of rightening reflex was determined as the sleeping time [24].

Measurement of the effect on intestinal motility of rabbits

This effect was studied using Modular Single chamber organ bath LE11100 which consists of: Modular organ bath with single chamber system LE11100 (25 ml Panlab s. l., AD Instruments Pty Ltd, Spain) was designed for an easy maintenance of isolated tissues in physiological conditions over long periods, thus making it possible to record responses produced in them by drugs. Force transducer MLT0201 (AD Instruments Pty Ltd, Spain) was responsible for transmission of the electrical signals from the tested tissue to bridge amplifier to be amplified. Bridge amplifier (FE 221) was designed for amplification of the electrical signals through connection of the power lab to most direct current (DC) bridge transducers including force transducer. Power lab® with lab chart software®: The electrical signals from the transducer was amplified by bridge amplifier which connected to the power lab that responsible for conversion the electrical signals to digital signals and recorded using Chart software (AD Instruments Pty Ltd, Australia). Termotronic (immersion thermostate 3000389) was designed for provide optimum temperature inside the organ bath.

This apparatus was prepared by adjusting the temperature in the outer bath at 37ºC, filling the tissue bath (25ml capacity) with tyroide’s solution and allow the oxygen to pass through it freely. The method described by [25] was used. Duodenal strip of about 3 cm from freshly slaughtered rabbits was suspended in the organ bath by attaching one end with a hook and the other end was tied by a thread, attached to force transducer. The tissues were allowed to equilibrate for at least 30 minutes prior to the addition of any drug. Normal rhythmic contractions were recorded and the effect of graded concentrations of tilmicosin phosphate was demonstrated.

After tracing the normal intestinal motility and the effect of graded increased doses of tilmicosin phosphate; the possibility of an atropine like activity was studied by adding acetylcholine (0.25 ml of 1.1 X10-7 mmol/l) in the presence of effective dose of the drug (2.5 gm/ml bath). Furthermore; the probability of ganglionic blocking activity was investigated by adding small dose of nicotine (0.125 ml of 10 μg/ml) in the presence of effective dose of the drug (2.5 gm/ml bath).

Measurement of the effect on uterine motility in female rats

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of tilmicosin phosphate on isolated uteri of rats at various stages of sex cycle. In this respect, mature female rats at various stages of sex cycle (non-estrus, estrus and pregnancy) were used. Vaginal smears were performed for determining the stages of sex cycle of animals [26]. Animals after being examined were killed, their uteri were dissected out and one uterine horn was suspended in the organ bath containing warm oxygenated dale’s solution at 32oC. Uterine horn was attached from one end to a hook and the other end was tied by a thread, attached to force transducer. The normal rhythmic motility of the uteri was recorded and the effect of graded concentrations of tilmicosin phosphate was determined at different stages of sex cycle.

The results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (S.E.M.). Statistical significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) according to [27] followed by Turkey’s post-hoc test for multiple comparisons using SPSS (version 20.0) software (IBM SPSS Statistic 20.0, Armonk, NY, USA). The P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Anti-ulcerogenic effect of tilmicosin phosphate

Data in Table 2 and Figure 1 presents the percentages of protection and the ulcer index in different treated groups. Pre-treatment the rats for one week with tilmicosin phosphate at dose levels of 20 and 40 mg/kg b.wt., respectively and the second group with Ranitidine® (50 mg/kg b.wt.) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the ulcer index compared with control group. The maximum percentage of gastric protection was observed at higher dose of the tilmicosin phosphate in comparison with the third and second groups that treated with the lower dose of the tilmicosin phosphate and Ranitidine®.

Wound healing activity of tilmicosin phosphate of Tilmicosin phosphate

Topical application of tilmicosin phosphate in the form of ointment (10 %) daily on the wound area of treated rats, induced significant (P<0.05) decrease in wound size at 4,8,12 and 16 days of treatment respectively in comparison with the control non treated group. Similarly, the standard (Fucidine®) ointment treated group showed significantly decrease in the wound size at 8, 12 and 16 days Table 3, Figure 2. Complete wound healing was observed in the group treated with the tilmicosin phosphate ointment and standard group long the whole period of treatment in comparison to wound area of the control group, whereas the wound closure took about 22 days for complete healing in the control non treated group. Complete wound healing was observed in the group treated with the Tilmicosin phosphate ointment and standard group were seen in shorter period (18 days (in comparison to wound of the control group, (22 days).

Effect of tilmicosin phosphate on Liver function

Oral administration of tilmicosin phosphate markedly elevated the liver enzymes (ALT, AST and Alkaline phosphatase), GGT, (Total proteins and cholesterol specially at 40 mg/kg b.wt). Both the control negative group and Silymarin (hepatoprotective group) were significantly reduced the liver enzymes compared to control positive group (Paracetamol administered group). Oral administration of tilmicosin (20 and 40 mg/kg b.wt) had a significant hepatotoxic effect on liver enzymes and on cells as demonstrated by the histopathological findings of the liver as severe hepatic cell necrosis and degenerative changes with proliferation of the Van Kupffer cells had been demonstrated Table 4 and Figure 3.

Investigation the Analgesic effect of tilmicosin phosphate

Hot plate test: Oral administration of tilmicosin phosphate at different dose levels of (20 and 40 mg/kg b.wt.) resulted in significant prolongation of the reaction time (P<0.05). Higher dose of the tilmicosin phosphate (40 mg/kg) induced its analgesic effect at 1, 2, 3 and 5 hours. Maximum latency time of 20 and 40 mg/kg of tilmicosin phosphate was observed at 3 hours. In addition, Paracetamol® treated group produces significantly increase in the latency time with maximum occurred at 2 hours after administration of the drug and completed till 5 hours. The lower dose (20 mg/kg) showed significant increase in latency time at 4 and 5 hours in comparison with control group (Figure 4A).

Tail immersing Method: Also pre-treatment with tilmicosin phosphate at dose levels of (20 and 40 mg/kg b.wt.) induced analgesic activity in a dose dependent manner. Higher dose of the tilmicosin phosphate (40 mg/kg) induced its analgesic effect at 1, 2, 3 and 5 hours. Maximum latency time of 40 mg/kg of tilmicosin phosphate was observed at 5 hours. The lower dose (20 mg/kg) showed significant increase in latency time at 3 hours in comparison with control group (Figure 4B).

Writhing test: The higher dose of the tilmicosin phosphate (40 mg/kg b.wt.) has reduced number of writhes with maximum levels at 3 hours and continued till 5 hours with percentage of inhibition (100%) in comparison with control non treated group, whereas the lower dose of the tilmicosin phosphate (20 mg/kg b.wt.) and standard groups (Paracetamol®) showed percentage of inhibition (60%, 80% and 100%) respectively. Tilmicosin phosphate was evaluated for its peripheral analgesic effect using acetic acid induced writhing test (Figure 4C).

Evaluation the Anti-pyretic effect of tilmicosin phosphate

Paracetamol and tilmicosin phosphate showed significantly decrease in the yeast-elevated rectal temperature compared to control group. The antipyretic effect started at 1hr in comparison with control group and the antipyretic effect is maintained for 4 hrs post oral administration of the drugs (Table 5).

Valuation the Anti-inflammatory effect of tilmicosin phosphate

Tilmicosin phosphate (20 and 40 mg/kg) exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against formalin induced paw edema as that induced by standard diclofenac sodium (30 mg/kg) for 4 hours post administration (Figure 4D).

Measurement the effect of tilmicosin phosphate on sleeping time (Hypnotic)

Pre-treatment with tilmicosin phosphate orally at dose levels of 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight, orally, before induction of sleeping by thiopental sodium induced significant (P<0.05) increase in sleeping time respectively in comparison with the control group (Figure 4E).

Effect of tilmicosin phosphate on the intestinal motility of rabbits

Tilmicosin phosphate revealed inhibitory effect on the intestinal motility, concentrations lower than 0.3 gm/ml bath produced no effect on the force or frequency of intestinal contractions while concentration of 0.5 gm/ml bath induced slight inhibition in the force of contractions and marked inhibition was obtained at 1 gm/ml bath. Complete relaxation was obtained at 7.5 gm/ml bath. Trials had been made to determine the site of action of the tilmicosin phosphate on the rabbit›s intestine; the probability of an atropine -like activity was tested by adding acetylcholine in the presence of effective dose of the extract. Moreover the possibility of nicotine like effect was studied by adding a small dose of nicotine in the presence of effective dose of the extract in addition. The results indicated that tilmicosin phosphate didn’t have atropine like action, since the addition of acetylcholine (0.25 ml of 1.1 X 10-7 mmol/L) modify the inhibitory effect of tilmicosin phosphate (2.5 gm/ml bath) as cause marked stimulation after tilmicosin adding. Furthermore addition of small dose of nicotine sulphate (0.125 ml of 10μg/ml) induced stimulatory effect in the presence of the inhibitory dose of tilmicosin phosphate (2.5 gm/ml bath) (Figure 4F and 5).

Effect on uterine motility of female rats at different stages of sex cycle

No significant effect observed for tilmicosin phosphate on the uterine contractility of female rats at different stages of sex cycle. Tilmicosin phosphate induced no effect on the uterine contractility from concentrations of 0.5 gm/ml bath at any stage of sex cycle till 12.5 gm/ml bath (Figure 6).

Adverse or beneficial events associated with drug uses have an important impact especially in commonly used drugs for well use of drugs in multiple forms, dispensing or administrations [28]. Tilmicosin commonly used idrug in veterinary medicine and at high dose has some adverse effects such as anaphylaxis, cardiotoxic, collapse and transient swelling at the site of injection [5] but also has beneficial activities must be explored. To the best of our knowledge no previous studies reported about effects of tilmicosin on wound healing, ulcer treatment, hypnotic and relaxant effects on intestine or on utras. The current studies aimed for revealing multiple beneficial activity for commonly used drug (tilmicosin).

Tilmicosin phosphate possessed anti-ulcerogenic effect at dose levels of 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight, and the higher dose is more potent. Tilmicosin phosphate and Ranitidine® treated groups showed a significant decrease in the ulcer index in comparison to the control group. Stomachs of rats treated with higher dose of the drug (40 mg/kg body weight), showed no congestion and the stomach appearance was normal. The decrease in the gastric congestion might be attributed to the antimicrobial activity of tilmicosin against Helicobacter bacteria which is the most common reason for gastric ulcer. Our results were agreed with [29] they reported about the gastro-protective effect of azithromycin caused by H ducreyi [30]. From the obtained results we suggest that the tilmicosin phosphate may be beneficial in the prevention and/or treatment of gastric lesions.

Wound healing is a complicated process involving four main processes, namely, hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling [9]. This study showed that, the topical application of tilmicosin phosphate ointment when used at concentrations of (10 %) enhanced wound healing process in rats. The significant wound healing activity revealed due to their ability for decreasing the response of inflammation at the wound area. The result was come in accordance with [31] they found that local application of antibiotics could reduce the inflammatory response in wound healing. Also this result come in accordance with [32] about the role of Rapamycin on Wound Healing in wound healing as affected all steps of the wound healing process by decreasing the inflammatory cell number, angiogenesis, and myofibroblast proliferation.

Hepatoprotective effects of tilmicosin had been investigated at both 20 and 40 mg/kg b.wt. Orally for 7 days with using silymarin drug as a standard hepatoprotective drug. From the obtained data liver enzymes elevated severely especially at dose of 40 mg ALT and AST are important serum enzymes in the liver and monitoring their concentrations usually help to liver diseases [33]. Administration of the tilmicosin phosphate severely affected most of the liver function parameters. The serum concentration of ALT and AST which are markers of hepatocellular damage and myocardial infarction [34] were significantly affected by the drug. This indicated by histopathological examination of the liver of the experimented animals as presence of hepatocellular vacuolar degeneration. These lesions may have occurred as a result of metabolism of the drug by the liver which serves as the primary organ of biotransformation [35] Also this attributed to the hepatic necrosis, dilatation in the central vein and severe vascular inflammation caused by macrolides antibiotic groups, this come in accordance with [36] as reported that macrolides inhibit the P-glycoprotein transport of the liver which responsible for ATP transfer.

Hot-plate, tail immersion and acetic acid-induced writhing methods are useful techniques for the evaluation of centrally- and peripherally- acting analgesic drugs, respectively [37]. Tilmicosin phosphate possessed central and peripheral analgesic activities at both doses (20-40 mg/kg, orally). These results were come in agreement with [38] they found that both roxithromycin and erythromycin had ant nociceptive effect.

The peripheral analgesic activity was determined by acetic acid induced writhing test. The pain is induced due to liberation of endogenous substances as well as other pain mediators such as arachodonic acid via cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin biosynthesis especially PGE2 and PGF2α, which then stimulate the pain nerve endings [39,40] Tilmicosin phosphate significantly (p<0.05) inhibited acetic acid-induced writhes in mice. The inhibition in the pain might attributed to inhibition of pain mediators PGE2 which achieved by all macrolides [41] all macrolides via inhibition of hyperalgesic mediators such as PGE2¸ which are predominantly involved in peripheral pain [38].

Tilmicosin phosphate showed significant anti-pyretic effect in feverish rats in both doses (20, 40 mg/kg, orally). Elevations in body temperature occur when concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increase within certain areas of the brain. The antipyretic effect may be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis within the hypothalamus by blocking the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme activity [42]. This come in accordance with [43] about the effects of tilmicosin on body temperature and also azithromycin has been reported to possess antipyretic activities and was reported to inhibit centrally the synthesis of prostaglandin in the brain [44] and also as that’s reported about azithromycin and clazithromycin hypothermic effects [45].

Induction of paw edema in rat by different agents such as formalin or carrageenan is believed to be biphasic; in the first phase (1hour) serotonin and histamine are released while in the second phase (over 1hour) prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase products are mediated and kinins provide the continuity between the two phases [46]. The result of this study revealed that tilmicosin phosphate significantly reduced paw edema in rats in a dose dependent manner at 2 and 3 hrs. The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of tilmicosin phosphate may be due its effects on induced macrophage apoptosis on the synthesis of pro inflammatory CXCL-8 as reported for tulathromycin in cattle [47].

The most important step in evaluating drug action on the central nervous system (CNS) is to observe the behavior of the tested animals. Substances that have CNS depressant activity either decrease the time for onset of sleep or prolong the duration of sleep or both. The result of this study showed that both doses (20, 40 mg/kg, orally) of tilmicosin phosphate produced a significant increase in the sleeping time induced by the thiopental sodium (Anapental®), in a dose-dependent manner; thus suggesting a profound sedative activity. Like many other centrally acting drugs, barbiturates acts on the cerebral cortex to produce their actions [48]. Thiopental sodium, a barbiturates class hypnotic drug by enhancing the activity of gamma-amino-butyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor increases the chloride conductance and potentiates GABAA mediated postsynaptic inhibitors [49]. The prolongation of thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time may be attributed to an inhibition of pentobarbital metabolism [50]. The prolongation of thiopental sodium sleeping time by the drug suggests that thiopental sodium- induced hypnosis is a good index of CNS depressant activity as reported by [51].

The effect of tilmicosin phosphate on the intestinal motility of isolated rabbit duodenum revealed that tilmicosin phosphate inhibited the intestinal contractility in a dose dependent manner. These results were came in accordance with [52,53] who found to erythromycin macrolide antibiotic possess a concentration-dependent relaxant effects on the above intestinal parts but in different degree of intensity besides, erythromycin inhibits rat muscles contraction through the inhibition of calcium in flux and the modulation of intracellular calcium movement so depending on these data this might be also the same cause of the inhibitory effects of tilmicosin as reported by [54]. In the same way, [55] stated that azithromycin has a concentration-dependent, epithelium-independent, direct relaxant effect on muscles. Tilmicosin phosphate has no effects the uterine motility during non- pregnant (estrus and non-estrus) and pregnancy stages. These obtained results came in agreement with those obtained by [56] who stated that in vitro smooth muscle tissue studies, found that tilmicosin did not elicit contractile activity in rat uterus, or rat vas deferens.

We concluded that administration of tilmicosin phosphate orally has an important gastric cytoprotective against ulcer induction, wound healing activity, hypnotic, anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic, Analgesic; besides anti-spasmodic action but at higher doses showed hepatotoxicity.