European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANTS (VIT C & E) ON THE WEIGHT AND IMMUNOGLOBULINS OF MALE WISTAR RATS EXPOSED TO LEAD ACETATE

Olatunde Babatunde J.* and Ojeka Sunday O.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of the selective administration of Vitamin C and Vitamin E on lead immune-toxicity. Male albino rats were subdivided into six groups: the first is the control, the second group received lead acetate in bolus as 10 mg/kg diet daily, the third group receive vitamin C only (200 mg/kg), fourth group receive vitamin E only (1000iu/kg), fifty group received the same lead acetate dose and supplemented with Vitamin C, and the sixth group received the same lead acetate dose and supplemented with Vitamin E orally daily. Blood samples were taken after four weeks of treatment. Significant lead-induced immunetoxicity disruptions in serum Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA) and whole white blood cells, differential white blood cells, Platelets and total leucocyte count activities were observed after end of treatment. However, serum immunoglobulins were initially increased by the Lead assault but upon treatment with the anti-oxidants, decreased towards normal. But there was decreased by the Lead assault but upon treatment with the anti-oxidants, increased towards normal on the differential white blood cells and platelets over time. Lead acetate decreased the cellular integrity and homeostasis of the Liver, Spleen and Thymus tissues. After four weeks of lead administration dilation and congestion of terminal hepatic veins and portal vein branches were observed. Lead also induced hepatocyte proliferation without any localized distribution among zones 1-3. Portal inflammatory infiltrate with disruption of the limiting plates (interface hepatitis), splenotoxicity and thymus fibrosis were detected especially by fourth week of lead administration. Combined treatment of lead-exposed animals with Vitamin C and E showed marked improvement of the biochemical, molecular and histopathological findings. These experimental results strongly indicate the protective effect of Vitamin C and E against toxic effects of lead on liver, spleen and thymus tissues.

Keywords: However, serum immunoglobulins were initially increased by the Lead assault but upon treatment with the anti-oxidants, decreased towards normal.