Co-exposure of Lead Acetate and Sodium Arsenite Causes Alteration in the Markers of Liver and Kidney Functions in Male Wistar Rats

Study aim: More is still to be known about the combinative effect of lead and arsenic compounds on critical organs. In this study, the effect of single and combined exposure to lead and arsenic on some biomarkers associated with liver and kidney functions in healthy Wistar rats was assessed. Method: The rats were divided into four groups (n = 5) and were treated with sodium arsenite or lead acetate individually or in combination for 14 days. Results: The results revealed that single exposure to either compound caused significant increase in the hepatic transaminases and alkaline phosphatase. Significant decrease in serum proteins and glucose concentration were also observed with morphological changes in the liver of treated rats as discovered by the photomicrographs from light microscopy indicating hepatotoxicity. Similarly, significant increase in the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine concentration with simultaneous rise in the concentrations of serum potassium and sodium were observed. The photomicrographs of the kidney from light microscopy showed congestion in the interstitial spaces indicating compromised function of the kidney. The combination of the two metals demonstrated the enhanced effect on these parameters when likened with their individual treatments. Conclusion: This study therefore proves the enhanced toxicity induced by co-exposure to lead acetate and sodium arsenite among biomarkers of liver and kidney functions in Wistar rats