The Effect of Dietary Calcium Loading on Some Heamorheological Parameters of Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

The effect of dietary calcium loading and it’s haemorheological changes in albino rats were determined using different methods, depending on the different haemorheological parameters studied. Westergren tubes was used to determine Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), microhaematocrit centrifuge was used in the determination of Pack Cell Volume (PCV), while Sahli Haemoglobinometer tube was used to determine the hemoglobin concentration (HB) of the blood. Blood samples were collected into EDTA bottles. 15 albino wistar rats of average weight of 300g were randomly divided into three groups of A, B and C, with each group containing five rats. Group B and C were feed on salt loading diet (2, 4, 6 and 8g calcium chloride diet) and their haemorheological parameters were compared to the control on normal rat diet for a period of eight weeks. Blood samples were obtained from the tail of the rats and the haematocrit, erythrocyte and packed cell volume were determined in both groups. Blood samples were analyzed within 2 hours of collection. The result showed significant increase in haematocrit value (PCV) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), although not too significant. There was a significant increase in hemoglobin concentration in rats on salt loaded diets compared to control (P<0.05)This study shows that increase in these haemorheological parameters in association with chronic salt loading, hence suggest a role played by chronic salt ingestion in the etiology of hypertension.