Biochemical and Histopathological Effect of Ultrasound Waves on hepatic tissue of rat’s neonates

Abstract

Ultrasound has applications in various bio-medicine aspects. The current research was carried out to study the hematological parameters, biochemical and histopathological alterations in hepatic tissue post-exposure of pregnant rats to ultrasound waves. Eight pregnant mother rats were divided into two groups (four rats per each group). The first group was used as a negative control group that was not exposed to normal pregnancy. The second group of pregnant mother rats was exposed to ultrasound waves with a nominal intensity of 0.2 W/cm2 at the frequency of (1MHz.) directly in contact with their bodies for 15 min/day through the last two weeks of the gestation period, each mother gave 5 neonates. Then these neonates from each group were used for blood and tissue sampling. Some hematological parameters, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin in serum were evaluated. Samples of the liver in all groups were examined by light and transmission electron microscope for the detection of histopathological changes. Statistical evaluation of the results at a p < 0.05 revealed a significant elevation in serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and total bilirubin, whereas hematological parameters were significantly reduced in the exposed group compared with negative control one. Histopathologically, heavy leukocytic cellular infiltrations, degenerative and necrotic changes in the hepatocytes with mild hyperplasia of the lining epithelium of bile duct were demonstrated. The obtained results support the need for caution in the usage of ultrasound waves for repeated times, particularly during pregnancy.