Effects of Gasoline on Blood Cells and Liver Functions of Albino Rats (<i>Rattus rattus</i>)

Abstract

The acute toxicological effects of gasoline on blood cells, and liver functions of albino rats were investigated. The rats were intraperitoneally injected with gasoline at different dose levels and were observed within 24 hours for signs and symptoms of toxicity. From the pilot study, 35.0g/kg was obtained as the minimum dose of gasoline that caused 100% death (LD100). Furthermore, LD50 study gave 12.30g/kg as the dose of gasoline that caused 50% death in rats (median lethal dose). The symptoms observed included occurrence of pallor, sedation, respiratory distress, coma and death and they were dose-dependent. Death rate increased with increase in the concentration of gasoline. The results of the hematological parameters obtained showed decrease in the mean + SEM values with increase in doses of gasoline injection. The biochemical parameters obtained showed an increase in the ALT and AST levels from 0.00 to 35.0g/kg and a corresponding increase in the ALP level from 0.00 to 35.0g/kg, indicating a case of hepatotoxicity. Direct and total bilirubin were also increased with increase in the doses of gasoline. The results, of this study showed that exposure to gasoline is potentially toxic and the degree of toxicity may be influenced by the dose or concentration to which persons are exposed.

Keywords: Albino Rat, Gasoline, Histopathology

Journal of Medical Laboratory Science Vol. 13 (2) 2004: pp. 24-28