Effects of calcium carbonate, potassium iodide and zinc sulphate in lead induced toxicities in rat model

Abstract

A study was carried out to find out the effects of calcium carbonate, potassium iodide and zinc sulphate in lead induced toxicities in rat with the observation of toxic signs, postmortem changes and determination of lead quantity in different organs of the body. Twenty-five long Evans rats weighing between 202-305g were randomly divided into five groups keeping group A as untreated control. Rest four groups (B, C, D & E) were treated with lead acetate @ 20mg/kg body weight in addition, rats of groups C, D & E were given Calcium carbonate (50mg/kg body weight), potassium iodide (20mg/kg bwt) and zinc sulphate (10mg/kg bwt.) respectively. Treatments were continued for 42 consecutive days. Rats of group B showed reduction in fecal consumption, anxiety, indigestion, fatigue, muscle tremor, paralysis and ruffled hair coat. However, rats of group C were apparently normal but rats of group D and E showed mild toxic signs of similar nature. On postmortem examination, severe congestion and blackish discoloration with enlargement of the liver, kidney, spleen and inflammation of the gastric mucosa were observed in rats of group B. However, these changes were less severe in other groups. The significant reduction of lead in blood, liver, kidney and brain was observed in rats of group C, D and E in comparison to group B. In addition, significant reduction of lead content was observed in femur of group C only. The present findings revealed that during lead exposure administration of calcium carbonate may be effective in modifying and preventing lead deposition in tissues followed by zinc sulphate and potassium iodide in rat.

Key words: Toxicity, lead, calcium carbonate, potassium iodide, zinc sulphate, rat

DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v4i2.1295

Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (2): 123-127