4. Deleterious effects of mercuric chloride on blood biochemistry, liver and kidney histology in female albino mice

Abstract

Mercury is a widespread environmental and industrial pollutant, which induces severe effects on human and animal bio-systems. The experiment was designed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of mercuric chloride (Hgcl2) on the hemato-biochemical and histological changes of liver and kidney in female Swiss Albino mice. A total of 24 numbers of mice of 28-30 days’ age were randomly assigned into 4 equal groups (n=6) as A, B, C, D. Group A was kept as control. Mice of group B, C and D were provided Hgcl2 at a dose rate of 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg per kg body weight in distilled water daily for 12 weeks respectively. At the end of the experimental period, blood and tissues were collected and processed for hematological, biochemical and histopathological examination. Results showed that HgCl2 treated mice caused a significant decreased in weight gain even treated with low doses of HgCl2. Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) were significantly decreased in HgCl2 treated mice than control one. Values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG) glucose were significantly increased and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), high density lipoprotein (HDL) were decreased in mice treated with different concentrations of HgCl2 compared with control group. Histo-pathological study showed that atrophy of the glomerulus was found in the kidney and presence of vacuoles and dilatation of sinusoidal spaces in the liver of HgCl2 treated mice. In conclusion, this research suggested that HgCl2 exerts deleterious impacts including association with hepatic and renal injuries.