Repeated dose oral toxicity of inorganic mercury in wistar rats: biochemical and morphological alterations

Aim: The study was conducted to find out the possible toxic effect of mercuric chloride (Hg[Cl.sub.2]) at the histological, biochemical, and haematological levels in the wistar rats for 28 days. Materials and Methods: The biochemical and hematological alteration were estimated in four groups of rat (each group contain ten animals), which were treated with 0 (control), 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg body weight of Hg[Cl.sub.2] through oral gavage. At the end of study all rats were sacrificed and subjected for histopathology. Result: A significantly (P < 0.05) higher level of serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), gamma Glutamyle Transferase, and creatinine were recorded in treatment groups, while the level of alkaline phosphtase (ALP) was significantly decreased as compared to the control group. The toxic effect on hematoclogical parameter was characterized by significant decrease in hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocytes count, and total leukocyte count. Gross morphological changes include congestion, severe haemorrhage, necrosis, degenerative changes in kidneys, depletion of lymphocyte in spleen, decrease in concentration of mature spermatocyte, and edema in testis. It was notable that kidney was the most affected organ. Conclusion: Mercuric chloride (Hg[Cl.sub.2]) caused dose-dependent toxic effects on blood parameters and kidney. Keywords: biochemical, haematological, mercuric chloride, morphological, toxicity, wistar rat