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Hematological and Histopathological Effects of Subacute Aconitine Poisoning in Mouse
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China.
Abstract:
Aconitine is the principal toxic ingredient of Aconitum, which can cause systemic poisoning involving multiple organs and systems after animal ingestion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aconitine on hematological indices and histological changes in mice. One hundred twenty mice were divided into a control group (normal saline), low-dose group (0.14 μmol/L), middle-dose group (0.28 μmol/L) and high-dose group (0.56 μmol/L), which were continuously lavaged for 30 days. The blood of 10 mice were collected randomly and analyzed by group at the 10th, 20th, and 30th days, and some tissues were collected and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to observe histological changes at the 30th day. Compared with the control group, the organ coefficient (%) of liver, spleen, lungs, and brain of the high-dose group were significantly increased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). WBC and Gran initially decreased and then increased in each poisoning group, with significant differences in the high-dose group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). RBC, HGB, HCT, and PLT decreased continuously in all groups except the low-dose group at the 20th and 30th days (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Moreover, BUN, ALT and AST increased in each poisoning group, in comparison with the control group, with significant differences except for the low-dose group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). CRE initially increased and then decreased, the TP and ALB decreased, with significant differences observed in the high-dose and middle-dose groups (p < 0.05). All the mice in the poison-treated groups showed varying degrees of histopathological changes such as degeneration and necrosis of tissues, especially heart and cerebellum. Our data suggest that different doses of aconitine have remarkable effects on hematological and histopathological changes in mice, in a significant time and dose-effect relationship.
Insights
Aconitine poisoning in mice significantly alters hematological indices and causes histopathological damage, particularly in the heart and cerebellum. These effects demonstrate a clear time and dose-dependent relationship.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Aconitine, a potent toxin from *Aconitum* plants, causes systemic poisoning affecting multiple organs.
- Understanding aconitine's toxicological profile is crucial for managing poisoning cases in animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hematological and histopathological effects of aconitine exposure in a mouse model.
- To establish the dose- and time-dependent relationship of aconitine toxicity.
Main Methods:
- 120 mice were administered varying doses of aconitine (0.14, 0.28, 0.56 μmol/L) or saline (control) for 30 days.
- Hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, PLT) and biochemical markers (BUN, ALT, AST, CRE, TP, ALB) were analyzed.
- Organ coefficients and tissue histopathology (hematoxylin-eosin staining) were evaluated on day 30.
Main Results:
- High-dose aconitine significantly increased organ coefficients (liver, spleen, lungs, brain).
- Hematological changes included initial decreases then increases in WBC and Gran, and continuous decreases in RBC, HGB, HCT, and PLT.
- Biochemical alterations showed increased BUN, ALT, AST, and decreased TP and ALB, with significant histopathological changes (degeneration, necrosis) observed in heart and cerebellum.
Conclusions:
- Aconitine exerts significant dose- and time-dependent effects on hematological and biochemical indices in mice.
- Histopathological examination reveals tissue damage, particularly in the heart and cerebellum, highlighting target organ toxicity.
- The findings underscore the systemic toxicity of aconitine and its impact on various physiological systems.
