Effects of Sodium Dichromate on Haemato-biochemical Parameters in Wistar Rats

A sub-acute toxicity experiment was conducted on 50 wistar rats which were randomly divided in five groups (group I to V) with five males and five females in each group to observe the haemato-biochemical alterations induced by sodium dichromate. Rats of group I to IV were administered graded dose of sodium dichromate [at] 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5 mg kg super(-1), respectively by oral gavage route for 28 days whereas, group V rats act as control. Highest dose of sodium dichromate reported to produce dullness, lethargy and diarrhea along with reduction in body weight and feed consumption. Significant decrease in hemoglobin, PCV, TEC, MCV and MCH values were observed while TLC values increased in group III and IV rats. Serum biochemical parameters viz AST, ALT, ALP and creatinine increased significantly while plasma total protein and albumin values were significantly decreased. In conclusion, hemato-biochemical picture reveals that dose rate up to 2.5 mg kg super(-1) of sodium dichromate was well tolerated and high dose (5 mg kg super(-1)) of sodium dichromate has potential to produce abnormalities in protein absorption and synthesis and kidney function.