STM Article Repository

This chapter evaluate the effect of low doses chronic exposure to chromium VI (K2Cr2O7) on various haematological and biochemical parameters in male albino rats. Chromium is one of the major environmental toxicant that effect human health. It is one among the eight most common pollutant heavy metals listed by the Environment Protection Agency.

Toxic effect of chronic exposure to chromium at low environmentally relevant dose is recently recognized and less studied. Twenty four adult male waster rats (70±10 days) weighing (170±10 gm) were used in the present study. The animals were housed in polypropylene cages in institutional animal house under controlled condition of temperature (25±2ºC) and normal day/night schedule (12 L : 12 D). Male albino rats (160±10 gm) received 1/25, 1/50 and 1/100 of reported oral LD50 dose of chromium VI (K2Cr2O7) for 90 consecutive days. After treatment, various haematological and biochemical parameters were evaluate.

Exposure to chromium VI at 1/25 LD50 dose decreased percentage gain in body weight and reduced the weight of the reproductive organs along with increase in the weight of liver and kidney. The biochemical analysis in our study showed an increase in activities of enzymes alanine aminotransferase, enzyme aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine and urea nitrogen level with a decline in protein and albumin levels. With an increase in clotting time, red blood cell, white blood cell, platelet, and haemoglobin concentration numbers decreased. In exposed rats, both the overall sperm count and motility were decreased. There were decrease in plasma protein and albumin concentration, with increase in plasma glucose and cholesterol level. The activity of enzyme alanine aminotransferase and enzyme aspertate aminotransferase were stimulated in treated rats. The results of the study revealed that chronic low dose exposure to chromium VI resulted in a toxic effect in experimental male albino rats.