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Hematological indices in copper-poisoned rats.
1Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, University of Roorkee, India.
Toxicology Letters
|October 1, 1987
Summary
Sublethal copper sulfate exposure in rats significantly altered blood, decreasing red blood cells and hemoglobin while increasing glucose and liver enzymes. This highlights potential toxicity risks of copper sulfate in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Copper sulfate is widely used but can exhibit toxicity at certain doses.
- Understanding the hematological and biochemical impacts of chronic sublethal exposure is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of daily oral administration of a sublethal dose of copper sulfate on the blood constituents of albino rats.
- To evaluate hematological parameters and key biochemical markers following copper sulfate exposure.
Main Methods:
- Albino rats were administered a daily oral dose of 0.1 g/kg body weight of copper sulfate for 30 days.
- Blood samples were analyzed for various hematological parameters (hemoglobin, RBC, PCV, MCV, WBC) and biochemical markers (glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin, urea, enzymes, proteins).
Main Results:
- Significant decreases were observed in percent hemoglobin, red blood corpuscles count, plasma corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular volume.
- Elevated levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin, and urea were noted.
- Increased activities of AST, ALT, LDH, and GDH were significant, while total protein and acid phosphatase activity decreased.
Conclusions:
- Sublethal oral copper sulfate administration for 30 days induces significant hematological alterations and biochemical disturbances in albino rats.
- The study indicates potential adverse effects on red blood cell parameters, liver function, and metabolic processes, warranting further investigation into copper toxicity mechanisms.