Morphological Study of Lead Induced Nephrotoxicity with Role of Zinc in Albino Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Damage to the kidneys is one of the primary toxic actions of the metals and nephrotoxicity by heavy metals has been the focus of much research. Lead is a heavy metal widely distributed in the environment. Its toxicity is a matter of concern as very low levels in the environment are found to effect under-nourished population. Entering the body through multiple routes it gets distributed in almost every organ including kidneys altering its structure and functions.
Objective: Heavy metals such as Lead are known to interact with the essential trace elements at the level of absorption and also during metabolism. The present study was designed to observe morphological changes in renal tissue with special reference to Proximal tubules following concomitant administration of essential micronutrient zinc with lead.
Design: Experimental study. Materials & Methods: 45 young adult albino rats selected for the study were distributed into 3 main groups of 15 rats each. Group A served as control, Group B rats received Inj . Lead acetate 8 mg/kg intraperitoneally daily and Group C in addition to lead received Inj . Zinc chloride 0.21 mg/kg intraperitoneally daily. Each group was further subdivided into three sub-groups according to the period of treatment given i.e. 2,4 & 6 weeks, at the end of which animals were sacrificed. The kidneys after processing and staining (PASH aem atoxylin) were subj ected to detailed m orphological exam ination o f proxim al tubules.