Ameliorative effect of ascorbic acid on mercury chloride‑induced changes on the spleen of adult Wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction: Mercury is a highly toxic metal that exerts its adverse effects on the health of humans and animals through air, soil, water and food. Aim: The present study was aimed at the evaluation of the effects of ascorbic acid on mercury chloride-induced changes on the histomorphology of the spleen of adult Wistar Rats. Method: Thirty adult Albino Wistar Rats of average weight of 200g were randomly divided into six groups of five rats per group. The animals were orally administered with different concentrations of mercury chloride daily for three weeks. Group one was administered with normal saline, Group two and three were administered with 52mg/kg body weight and 26.25mg/kg body weight of mercury chloride respectively while Groups four and five were administered with 52mg/kg of mercury chloride and 5mg/kg of ascorbic acid and 26.25mg/kg of mercury chloride and 5mg/kg of ascorbic acid respectively and Group 6 was administered 5mg/kg of ascorbic acid only. After three weeks of administration, the animals were sacrificed, blood and tissue samples were collected for tissue processing and analysis. Results: The results showed histo-morphological changes in the spleen of the rats. These changes were shown to be concentration dependent. Conclusion: Ascorbic acid administration was able to ameliorate mercury-induced changes in the spleen of adult Wistar rats.