Hexavalent chromium effects on motor activity and some metabolic aspects of Wistar albino rats

The effects of hexavalent chromium on the motor activity and some metabolic aspects of albino rats were studied. 0.07 g Cr(VI)/l administered in drinking water produced no effects on the motor activity of rats, at least over 28 days of treatment. 0.7 g Cr(VI)/l in drinking water and 2 mg Cr(VI)/kg body wt injected i.p. significantly decreased the motor activity of rats after 7 days and 1 day, respectively. The treated rats showed a metabolic disadvantage in relation to the controls. The effects caused by Cr(VI) on the motor activity in rats could be an indication of the neurotoxicity of this metal.