Impacts of Acute Toxicity of Heavy Metals (Hg And Pb) On Liver Enzymes of Normal Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of acute toxicity from heavy metals (mercury chloride and lead nitrate) on the liver enzymes of normal albino Wistar rats. Sixteen male albino rats (292-297 g) were divided into four groups, with four rats in each group. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were exposed to 40% of the lethal dose (LD50) of lead nitrate, mercury chloride, and a combination of both metals, respectively. Group 4 served as the control group. All animals had access to commercial rat mash and water during the one-week experimental period. Animals in groups 2 and 3, treated with mercury chloride and the combination of the two metals, died within a day after exposure. The results showed no significant decrease (P > 0.05) in mean serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in group 1 when compared to the control. The mean serum alanine transaminase (ALT) in group 1 also showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) compared to the control. The findings indicate that the toxicity of mercury chloride and the combination of mercury chloride and lead nitrate was lethal, leading to the death of the rats. Although lead nitrate alone altered liver enzyme levels, it did not cause fatality. Therefore, human exposure to these heavy metals should be avoided to prevent deleterious effects.