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              Research 
(Published 
  online : 13-06-2013)
24. Repeated 
dose oral toxicity of inorganic mercury in wistar rats: biochemical and 
morphological alterations - T. J. Sheikh, B. J. Patel, D. V. Joshi, 
R. B. Patel and M. D. Jegoda
Vet World. 2013; 6(8): 563-567
              
              
               
              
              doi: 
              10.5455/vetworld.2013.563-567
               
              
  
  
   
  
              
               
               
               
              
              
              Abstract
              
              
              
Aim: The study was conducted 
to find out the possible toxic effect of mercuric chloride (HgCl2 ) at the 
histological, biochemical, and haematological levels in the wistar rats for 28 
days. 
              
              
 Materials and Methods: The biochemical and hematological alteration 
were estimated in four groups of rat (each group contain ten animals), which 
were treated with 0 (control), 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg body weight of HgCl2 through 
oral gavage. At the end of study all rats were sacrificed and subjected for 
histopathology. 
              
              
 Result: A significantly (P < 0.05) higher level of serum 
alanine amino transferase (ALT), gamma Glutamyle Transferase, and creatinine 
were recorded in treatment groups, while the level of alkaline phosphtase (ALP) 
was significantly decreased as compared to the control group. The toxic effect 
on hematoclogical parameter was characterized by significant decrease in 
hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocytes count, and total leukocyte 
count. Gross morphological changes include congestion, severe haemorrhage, 
necrosis, degenerative changes in kidneys, depletion of lymphocyte in spleen, 
decrease in concentration of mature spermatocyte, and edema in testis. It was 
notable that kidney was the most affected organ. 
              
              
 Conclusion: Mercuric 
chloride (HgCl2 ) caused dose-dependent toxic effects on blood parameters and 
kidney. 
              
              
 Keywords: biochemical, haematological, mercuric chloride, 
morphological, toxicity, wistar rat