Gasoline-induced haematological changes and the associated hepatotoxicity in albino rats

Abstract

Haematological and biochemical indices were used to monitor the toxicity of gasoline in albino rats.The rats were placed in four groups and were intraperitoneally administered 0.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 10.0g/kg of gasoline, respectively, for 2 phase periods of 1 and 2 months. At the end of each period, rats were withdrawn from each group for analysis. The control rats were similarly treated with normal saline. Blood samples were taken for analysis of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and white blood cell counts (WBC). Serum enzymes such as Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). Glutathione-S- transferase (GST) and Glutathione (GSH) were equally monitored. There was significant reduction in Hb and PCV, particularly in group four rats, which received. 10gkg -1 gasoline compared with control and other (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in the number of white blood cells in the first month exposure to gasoline was recorded, especially in rats administered 10gkg-1gasoline. Substantial increase in the activities of liver enzymes - ALT, AST and ALP were observed in all the groups. However, GST increased marginally from first to second month in all the groups. Furthermore, there was consistent reduction in the level of GSH after the first dose in all the groups compared with control (P < 0.05). The study demonstrates that long term exposure of rats to gasoline could induce anaemia and liver damage.