The International Institute for Science, Technology and Education (IISTE)
Abstract
Aluminum is released into the environment both by natural and anthropogenic processes and its neurological effects are well documented but this effect is on the hepatocytes is poorly studied. This study evaluates the biochemical and histopathological alterations in hepatocytes of aluminum intoxicated rats. A total of sixteen (24) rats of eight (8) each in a group were given 3.8mg/kg and 38mg/kg body weight of aluminum (treated groups) and 0.2ml normal saline (control) respectively for days 7 and 14. The protein and aluminum levels, and histopathological examination were determined using standard methods. The weight of aluminum exposed rats differed significantly (p<0.05) after days 7, 10 and 14. The results showed significant increase (p<0.05) in aluminum levels in liver homogenate of the group given 38mg/kg, 3.8mg/kg and 38mg/kg after days 7 and 14 respectively. However, the protein level in liver homogenate decreased significantly (p<0.05) for the aluminum test group given 38mg/kg after days 7 and 14, as compared to the control. The results from this study showed that the liver sections collected from test animals showed proliferation of cells around the portal tract (PT) but the liver sections of control animals were normal with well preserved hepatic cells (H). This result suggests that aluminum ingestion induced accumulation, biochemical and histopathological alterations in aluminum exposed rats. Keywords: Aluminum Intoxication, Histopathology,Cellular Proliferation
