Mercury Kushta Induced Histopathological Changes in Liver of Wister Rats

Abstract

Background: Heavy metals are the natural constituents of the earth's crust but the indiscriminate human activities have drastically effected their biochemical balance and geochemical cycles. Heavy metals and their compounds have pharmacological importance. These are being used in south Asian countries as component of different medicines. These medicines may have serious side effects on liver. Objectives: To see the histological changes of Kushta which contains mercury, on liver of wister rats. Material and Methods: It was an animal experimental study in which a total of 42 Wistar rats were included and divided into five exposed and one control groups. Morphological changes were observed in liver of rats by using indigenous as well as patent mercury preparations. Results: Morphological changes in liver of exposed rats included hepatocyte swelling, hepatocyte necrosis, hepatocyte apoptosis, disarray of hepatic architecture, development of portal tract inflammation, central vein congestion, sinusoidal congestion and dilatation, development of fatty change and damage to hepatic vascular and liver capsule were seen at the end of 8 weeks. Conclusions: Indigenous herbo-mineral preparation (Kushta) of mercury produces deleterious morphological effects on liver of wister rats. Keywords: Mercury Kushta, Liver, Histopathology