A Study On The Acute Toxicological Effects Of Commercial Diesel Fuel In Nigeria In Rats (Ratus ratus.) Using Hematological Parameters

Abstract

The acute toxicology effect of diesel fuel in rats using hematological parameters was investigated. Five groups of rats consisting of ten rats per group, all of 0.2kg average body weight were used for the study. Four doses (65/kg; 87 g/kg; 209; g/kg; 131 g/kg) of diesel fuel were administered intraperitoneally, into the rats and the effect monitored within 24hours. The following hematological parameters ( Haemoglobin concentration, palled cell volume, white blood cell count) and enzyme (Aspartate/ alamine aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase) levels were monitored. Results indicated a decrease in haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and white blood cell count with increase in dose levels of diesel fuel in the rates. Conversely, there was an increase in serum enzyme levels with increase in dose of diesel fuel. The results indicate possible aplastic anaemia in the rat being in the rats being induced by administration of diesel fuel. Furthermore, the enzyme analysis results suggested a possible hepatotoxic effect of diesel fuel in the rat.


(Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management: 2002 6(1): 84-86)