CYTOLOGY

Heavy metals are metallic elements that have a relatively high density compared to water. Some examples are lead and cadmium. These metals distributed into the body through ingestion or through inhalation of air. Fifteen (15) Adult male Wistar rats weighing between 100-130g were used for this study. They were assigned into three (3) groups of (n=5) in each group. Group 1 served as (control Group) while Group 2 and 3 serve as experimental group. Group 1: (control group) were give pellet and distilled water. While the group 2 and 3 were administered CdCl2 and pb(C2H3O2)2 100ppm for 14 days and 28 days respectively. After four weeks of administration, the blood collection was through orbital sinus using heparinized capillary tube into EDTA bottles. Thin blood smear from the EDTA bottles was placed on microscope slide. The slide was allowed to air dry after that it was subsequently fixed with absolute methanol for about 15 mins staining for 20 mins each and were viewed understand microscope. The bone marrow was experimented using flushing techniques. The result actualized from this study shows in the erythrocyte morphology, lead acetate and cadmium chloride affect the shape (slightly rounded or blunted) and color (faded) of the cells and there are microcytes which are unusual red blood cells which are seen scattered in the entire field.the bone marrow cytology shows abundant erythroid series in the treatment groups, also lymphoid cellular series recruitment interspersed by the other reticulocyte of the bone marrow when compared with the control. In conclusion, it was observed from this study that acute co-exposure to lead acetate and cadmium chloride affect the erythrocyte morphology of Wistar rats, this effects may result in a condition called poikilocytosis . The resulting effects on the bone marrow may eventually lead to anemia.