Impact of lead acetate oral administration on wistar rat lung health: Histological evaluation

Abstract

Lead, a pervasive heavy metal, poses significant health risks to various bodily functions, including respiratory health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of lead acetate exposure on lung histoarchitecture and glycogen levels in male Wistar Albino rats. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of lead acetate on lung histoarchitecture and glycogen levels in male Wistar Albino rats. Specifically, we aimed to determine the dose-dependent changes in lung morphology and glycogen content following oral administration of lead acetate solutions. Forty mature male albino rats were divided into four groups: a control group receiving clean water and pelletized feed, and three experimental groups receiving lead acetate solutions orally at doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg body weight for 35 days. At the end of the experimental period, lung tissues were harvested, fixed in normal saline, and subjected to histological examination using routine hematoxylin and eosin staining to assess lung histoarchitecture. Additionally, Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction was employed to demonstrate glycogen levels in the lung tissues. Histological analysis revealed significant alterations in lung histoarchitecture in the experimental groups compared to the control group, including inflammation, fibrosis, and cellular damage. Furthermore, lead acetate exposure led to a dose-dependent decrease in glycogen levels within lung tissues. Our findings demonstrate the detrimental impact of lead acetate on lung histoarchitecture and glycogen levels in male Wistar Albino rats. These results underscore the importance of mitigating environmental exposure to lead to preserve respiratory health. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of lead-induced lung toxicity and explore potential therapeutic interventions.