TOXICOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF LEAD ACCETATE ON WISTAR RATS’ KIDNEY, LIVER AND BLOOD

This study explores the harmful effects of lead acetate exposure on the kidneys, liver, and blood in Wistar rats, aiming to shed light on potential risks to human health from this common environmental toxin. Over a four-week period, adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups: a control group receiving distilled water and three treatment groups administered varying doses of lead acetate (low, medium, and high) via oral gavage. Weekly assessments included hematological analyses such as complete blood counts, measurements of inflammatory markers like TNF-α in liver and kidney tissues, and oxidative stress evaluations through assays for key enzymes and antioxidants. Results revealed dose- dependent disruptions, with treated groups showing significant reductions in hemoglobin, platelet, and white blood cell counts, alongside elevated neutrophil and lymphocyte levels indicative of immune stress. In the liver and kidneys, heightened TNF-α concentrations pointed to progressive inflammation, while oxidative stress markers demonstrated increased lipid peroxidation and depleted antioxidant defenses, particularly in higher-dose groups by week four. These findings underscore lead acetate's capacity to induce organ damage through oxidative and inflammatory pathways, highlighting the need for stricter controls on lead exposure in industrial and everyday settings to prevent similar toxicities in humans.