Management of Acute Aluminum Phosphide Toxicity in Rat Model With a Novel Intervention, a Trial of Boric Acid

Abstract

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) or rice tablet is a cheap pesticide. When it comes in contact with acid (gastric acid) or moisture, it releases phosphine (PH3) gas. The heart, lungs, liver are the main targets in acute Aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning. Most deaths occur due to cardiovascular toxicity. Recently, boric acid has been proposed theoretically as an antidote for AlP poisoning. With the formula B (OH)3, boric acid can accept electrons as it is a Lewis acid with an empty p orbital. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible protective role of boric acid in management of aluminum phosphide poisoning and its possible use as an effective antidote to reduce ALP poisoning mortality. Forty albino rats, all of which were adults and males were equally divided into four groups, group 1: control (given distilled water), group 2: given boric acid only (100mg/kg nontoxic dose), group 3: given aluminum phosphide (12.5 mg/kg), group 4: given aluminum phosphide followed by boric acid. Rats in group 1 and 2 was killed by cervical dislocation, while rats in group 3 and 4 were left to die, then all were dissected out. Fixation in situ was performed by perfusion technique then the chest and the abdomen were carefully incised to reveal the heart and the liver. The liver and the heart were washed with saline then quickly dissected, excised then blotted for histological preparation. Blood samples were collected from each rat (immediately after death) for measuring liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ALK (alkaline phosphatase) and cardiac troponin. Rats treated with ALP followed by boric acid showed significant increase in their survival time, marked improvement in histopathological changes and also showed significant improvement in biochemical parameters including liver and cardiac markers (SGOT, SGPT, and cardiac troponin) compared with rats intoxicated with AlP. Conclusion: This study may increase the hope of using boric acid as a new effective antidote for ALP poisoning and opens the door of opportunity for larger experimental and then clinical trials to reevaluate the role of boric acid in acute ALP poisoning.