Combined Effects of Cd and Hg on Liver and Kidney Histology and Function in Wistar Rats

Abstract

The present study was performed in order to discern the effects of combined exposure to cadmium and mercury on liver function and histopathological alterations in male adult Wistar rats. In the present investigation, cadmium (100 mg/l) and mercury (25 mg/l) were administered orally for 10 weeks separately or in combination. The rational for studying cadmium and mercury is that both of these metals are encountered frequently in the same contaminated areas. In liver, the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate amino tranferase (AST) increased significantly in the cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) alone or in combination (Cd + Hg) compared to the control suggesting that both cadmium and mercury cause hepatotoxicity spatially when co-administrated. We noted an increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in Cd and combined Cd + Hg treated groups while it decreased in Hg treated group. There was no statistically significant change in the level of total bilirubilin. Serum urea concentration showed a significant increase in the Cd and Hg groups compared to the control group. However an increase in serum creatinine concentration was noted only in the combined treated rats showing that renal insufficiency is more serious in the co-exposed group. Light microscopic examination indicated severe histological changes in the two organs under Cd and mercury influence. Results of the present investigation clearly showed that mercury has profound effects of hepatic handling of cadmium (synergistic effect) as shown by histological and biochemical results. Moreover, we observed a antagonist effect between these two toxic metals on kidney markers such as urea.

Quality Assessment of Waterside River, Ogbor Hill Aba 4: Effect of Three-Point Samples on Hepatic Histo-Morphology and Some Seric Bio-Functional Indicators of Wistar Rats

“…Histomorphologic changes confirmed persistent toxic assault on organs in collaboration with seric chemistry results and at times as could not be detected by seric results [16,[40][41][42] . The congestion of central vein of the liver as noted in this study was consistent with hepatic response to heavy metals toxic assault in various animal models [6,7,[37][38][39]43,44] .…”

“…Water pollution resulting from environmental factors as well as human and industrial activities could be worsened with poor urban sewage system and consequent seepage of wastes to streams [4] along with heavy metals can enter streams. Heavy metals are not biodegradable hence could bioaccumulate to exert varied toxic influences in animals, aside compromising the water quality or potability [5][6][7][8][9][10] . Thus, the seepage of heavy metals into streams is a significant environmental problem hence worrisome [11,12] .…”

Effect of Methyl Mercury on the Cerebellar Cortex of Rats and the Possible Neuroprotective Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Conditioned Medium. Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

“…MeHg is the greatest toxic type of Hg and its poisoning can result from inhalation, ingestion, or dermal absorption. Once absorbed, it distributes extensively to all tissues [4,6].…”

Histological and Hormonal Study of the Protective Effect of the Calotropis Procera Against the Toxicity of Mercury Chloride

“…Impregnated kidneys and liver tissues were treated three times in pure paraffin to be established in blocks. Sections (5 µm thick) were preparatory using Leica microtome and stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histopathological investigation [4].…”