Pathological studies on subacute toxicity of thioglycolic acid in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

In present study subacute oral toxicity of thioglycolic acid was evaluated in rats. Forty Wistar rats of either sex were divided into four groups. Group I rats received only distilled water as a control, while Group II, III and IV were given thioglycolic acid dissolved in distilled water dosedat the rate of 6, 12 and 24 mg/kg b.wt., respectively, by oral gavage daily for 28 days. Clinically, Group IV (high dose) rats showed lethargy and decreased activity after 21day of experiment. There was significant increase in haemoglobin level in Group II female rats and increase in TEC in Group II and III female rats as compared to control rats. Significantly decrease in ALP infemale rats of Group II, III and IV as compared to control rats. Significantly decrease in creatinine level in Group II, III and IV male rats. The male rats of Group III revealed a significant increase in calcium level. Triglyceride level was significantly (P<0.05) decreased and increased in female rats of Group II and III respectively as compared to control rats. There was significant decrease in absolute and relative adrenal weight in Group II, III and IV female rats as compared to control. Mild pathomorphological changes were seen in lung, liver and spleen. Microscopically, in Group IV rats, lungs showed perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration, minimal alveolar histiocytic infiltration, congestion and emphysema; liverevincedcongestion and perivascular leukocytic infiltration; kidney showed mineralization in tubules; and spleen revealed yellowish intracellular pigmentation. In conclusion, thioglycolic acid did not produce any significant pathology in Wistar rats at dose rates of 6, 12 and 24 mg/kg b.wt.