Role of ginseng on mercury chloride-induced testicular lesions in adult albino rat: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Mercury is a toxic metal causing various adverse neurological, developmental, and reproductive disorders. Mercury exposure occurs through contaminated water and food. Ginseng [herbal medicine] can improve male fertility by acting directly on the pituitary gland and central nervous system. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of Ginseng on mercury chloride-induced testicular toxicity in adult albino rats. Thirty-two adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups of eight rats each: group I [the Control group]: the animals in this group received 1.5 ml of distilled water; group II [the Ginseng group]: the animals in this group received 100 mg/kg body weight of Ginseng; group III [the Mercury Chloride group]: the animals in this group received mercury chloride at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg/day. Group IV [the Ginseng and Mercury Chloride group]: the animals in this group received both Ginseng and mercury chloride at the same dose and route of administration as the previous group. The testes were removed and fixed. Paraffin sections were prepared and stained with H and E and Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining was performed for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Morphometric study was conducted and results were statistically analyzed. The study showed significant increase in body weight in group II and decrease in body weight in groups III and IV compared with the Control group. The gonadal index of group III showed significant decrease compared with both the Control group and group II. H and E sections of group III showed loosely packed vacuolated seminiferous tubules. Some germ cells showed a hyperchromatic nucleus, whereas others showed chromatolysis. Absence of mature sperms was noticed. Some tubules showed massive loss of germ cells. In the treated group [group IV] germ cells regained more or less a normal appearance. Ginseng can ameliorate the toxic changes of mercury chloride on the rat testis

Protective role of diallyl disulphide compound [from garlic extract] against mercuric chloride - induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in albino rats

Mercury compounds are widely used in several industries. Such compounds can find their way to the environment causing its pollution. Mercury is considered as a powerful carcinogenic agent. On the other side, the garlic extract is characterized by having compounds of specific anticarcinogenic action. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate both the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of mercuric chloride and to evaluate the therapeutic and/or prophylactic role of diallyl disulphide [DADS] on mercuric chloride-intoxicated rats. Experimental animals were divided into three main groups, keeping the 1st group as a healthy control. The 2nd group was a DADS post-treated one; receiving HgCl2 orally three times/week at a dose of 20 mg/kg bw for three weeks, then DADS three times/week at an oral dose of 80 mg/kg bw for three weeks. The 3rd group was a pre-treated one, which received DADS then HgCl2 at the same doses and the same periods mentioned in the 2nd group. The results showed that mercuric chloride has a mutagenic activity reflected in its highly significant effects on cell-cycle kinetics and frequency of chromosomal aberrations. Also, AST and ALT enzyme activities were highly significantly increased whereas ALP and AChE activities were highly significantly decreased in the serum of HgCl2-intoxicated rats. Moreover, while glucose and total cholesterol were increased after HgCl2 intoxication, total protein was decreased. These effects were much more inhibited in rats firstly treated with DADS then HgCl2 than in those treated with HgCl2 then DADS. The results reflected that DADS has a potential prophylactic activity against HgCl2 toxicity. This could be probably related to its strong antioxidant nature and Hg-binding activity

Biochemical study of freshwater fish Catla catla with reference to mercury chloride

Toxic activity of mercury chloride was tested in vivo on fresh water fish Catla catla. Acute toxicity tests were conducted to measure the impact of toxicity on the fishes within a short period at the various concentrations of HgCl[2] [0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3mg/L]. The protein and carbohydrate were estimated using Anthrone by standard methods and enzymes such as Na[+]-K[+], Mg[2+] and Ca[2+] adenoxide triphosphatases were determined caloriemetrically. Depletion of protein was observed at all exposure periods. The biochemical estimation values of carbohydrates in muscle, intestine and brain showed significant values with P<0.05. The activity of Mg [2+] adenoxide triphosphatases in muscle, intestine and brain was studied and the maximum depletion was observed at 96h, 72h and 72h, respectively. Regarding activity of Ca [2+] adenoxide triphosphatases in muscle, the maximum depletion of this enzyme activity in muscle was observed at all exposure periods, except 96h. In intestine, enzyme activity was gradually decreased in all exposure and an increase was found during 96h. In brain, the enzyme activity was observed at all exposure periods except 96h

Role of Tribulus terrestris (Linn.) (Zygophyllacea) against mercuric chloride induced nephrotoxicity in mice, Mus musculus (Linn.).

The present study investigates the influence of methanolic fraction (MF) of Tribulus terrestris fruit extract on the kidney tissues of mercury intoxicated mice, Mus musculus. At median-lethal dose of mercuric chloride (12.9 mg/kg body weight), the whole kidney tissue showed an increased level of lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and simultaneously a decreased level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH). These parameters reached to near normal after administration of fruit extracts of T. terrestris for 7 days. The results suggested that the oral administration of methanolic fraction of Tribulus terrestris fruit extract at dose 6 mg/kg body weight provided protection against the mercuric chloride induced toxicity in the mice.

Evaluation of mercury toxicity by some cytological indices in leucocyte cultures.

The genotoxicity induced by different levels of inorganic mercury was evaluated by chromosome metaphase analysis in human leucocytes, treated in vitro for 72 hr. Mitotic index gradually decreased with an increase in concentration of mercury but the reverse phenomenon was observed with respect to chromosomal aberration due to its probable interaction with protein and DNA.

Behavioural and hematological responses of Cyprinus carpio exposed to mercurial chloride.

The static bioassay experiments were conducted to study the hematological and behavioural responses of Cyprinus carpio after exposure to mercuric chloride. Three different concentrations i.e. 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ppm of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) were used for 8, 16, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 124 hrs for evaluating behavioural responses. Hematological responses were assessed after 60 days exposure to 0.1 ppm of HgCl2. The changes in body colour, movement, sluggishness or activeness, disbalance etc. constituted the observations on behavioural responses. Hematological parameters included total erythrocyte (TEC) and leukocyte (TLC) counts and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Body colour had changed in all groups after 48 hours. The fish exposed to 0.5 ppm HgCl2 did not show any abnormal activity except colour change throughout the experiment. Though no sign of distress was observed initially in groups exposed to 1.0 and 1.5 ppm HgCl2 but abnormal posturing, disbalance and sluggishness became apparent after 72 hrs and all specimens of 1.5 ppm group had died within 124 hours. TEC and Hb levels decreased whereas TLC increased in both male and female specimens of C. carpio after exposure to 0.1 ppm HgCl2 for 60 days. These observations indicated that mercurial toxicity even at low levels, caused adverse effects on body colour, behavioural responses and hematological parameters like TEC, TLC and hemoglobin levels in C. carpio.

Modulatory potential of Spirulina fusiformis on testicular phosphatases in Swiss albino mice against mercury intoxication.

Administration of mercuric chloride (HgCl2; 5.0 mg/kg body weight) to male Swiss albino-mice resulted in significantly higher levels of testicular acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities as compared to control. In combination group where S. fusiformis (800 mg/kg body weight) was given before and after HgCl2 treatment, the mercury induced toxicity reduced in terms of decreased levels of ACP and ALP activities in the testis. The animal treated with only Spirulina did not show any alteration in ACP and ALP values. It is suggested that oral administration of Spirulina can modulate mercury induced testicular toxicity.

Gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices of the freshwater fish Notopterus notopterus (Pallas) in response to some heavy metal exposure.

Area wise, the measurement of LC50 for pollutants is of great value in predicting the safe concentration dose of the contaminant in the environment on different aquatic species. The lethality of toxic substances including heavy metals to the aquatic organisms are usually assessed by following static bio-assay or continuous flow methods. The toxicity tests for mercuric chloride (HgCl2), cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and their mixture on Notopterus notopterus was determined by using 96h LC50 concentration on fish N. notopterus which indicated that cadmium chloride (CdCl2) was less toxic and mercuric chloride (HgCl2) was most highly toxic. The order of toxicity is mercuric chloride > mixture > cadmium chloride. On the basis of gonadosomatic index the reproductive cycle of N. notopterus can be categorised into immature, developing, maturing, mature, ripe and spent stages. Liver forms important organ of the body, which has a role in the ovarian development. On exposure to heavy metals at sublethal concentration both GSI (gonadosomatic index) and HSI (hepatosomatic index) are reduced.

Effect of mercuric chloride on circulating hormones in adult albino rats.

The effect of mercuric chloride at two different doses, 0.5 mg/kg body weight (low dose), 1 mg/kg body weight (high dose), for 30 days, was seen on the circulating hormones in the mature male albino rats. Testosterone level was markedly decreased in the low dose (P < 0.01) and high dose (P < 0.001) treated animals. The level of luteinizing hormone (LH) was also reduced in the low dose (P < 0.01) as well as in the high dose (P < 0.001) treated animals. However, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (PRL) levels were found to be decreased only in the high dose (P < 0. 05) treated animals and no change was observed in the low dose treated animals. The changes in the hormone levels caused by the mercuric chloride treatment suggest the dysfunction of pituitary-testicular axis.

Ocimum sanctum aqueous leaf extract provides protection against mercury induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice.

HgCl2 (5.0 mg/kg body weight) induced toxicity led to significant elevation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) level but decline in the glutathione content in liver of Swiss albino mice. In serum of HgCl2 treated mice there was significant elevation in serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) activities but significant decline in the alkaline phosphatase activity. Animals treated with O. sanctum extract (10 mg/kg body weight, po) before and after mercury intoxication showed a significant decrease in LPO level, SGOT and SGPT activities and increase in serum alkaline phosphatase activity and glutathione (GSH) content. Ocimum treatment alone did not alter SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphatase activities but significantly enhanced reduced glutathione. The results suggest that oral administration of Ocimum extract provides protection against HgCl2 induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice.

Effect of mercuric chloride on testicular activities in mice, Musculus albinus.

Impaired testicular function was observed after an exposure of Swiss albino mice (30 +/- 2 g) to mercuric chloride. A sublethal chronic exposure (0.5 ppm for 21 days) resulted in regressed histological and histochemical properties of the testis. The changes observed were degenerated tunica albuginea, abnormal configurations of seminiferous tubules, deformed primary and secondary spermatocytes, hypertrophy and vacuolization in interstitial cells and Sertoli cells. The 3 beta and 17 beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase enzyme and the level of testosterone hormone were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced. The diameter of different spermatogenic cells were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced.

Effects of mercury on the mechanical and electrical activity of the Langendorff-perfused rat heart

The effects of increasing concentrations of mercury (Hg2+) chloride (0.5, 1, 2 and 10 uM) on the myocardial electromechanical activity were studied on 10 Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. Hg2+ decreased the development of isovolumic systolic pressure from 20.3 ñ 2.13 mmHg under control conditions to 6.25 ñ 1.32 mmHg at 10 uM HgCl2 (P<0.01) (diastolic pressure = 0 mm Hg). The atrial and ventricular rates also decreased at uM, 1 uM and 2 uM HgCl2 when compared to the Hg2+ - free solution (from 201 ñ 4 to 126 ñ 15 bpm). However, at 10 uM Hg2+ the atrial rate increased (155 ñ 19 bpm) whereas the ventricular rate did not change significantly (119 ñ 13 bpm). A delay in atrioventricular conduction occured at 0.5 uM Hg2+ (64 ñ 4 ms in the Hg2+ free solution to 91 ñ 14 ms in the presence of 0.5 uM Hg2+, P<0.05) with no further changes at higher Hg2+ concentrations. The QRS-T duration also increased as a function of increasing Hf2+ concentrations (58 ñ 5.5 ms in the Hg2+ -free solution to 123 ñ 15 ms in the presence of 10 uM Hg2+ , P<0.01). Qualitative changes of ECG such as extrasystoles , atrial or ventricular arrhythmias and A-V blocks were also observed. The inhibitory action of Hg2+ on ATP hydrolysis and on Ca2+ and Na+-K+ ATPases suggested to occur in other tissues could be the mechanism responsible for the observations reported here

Intoxicación por mercurio / Mercury poisoning

Se presenta el caso de un adolescente intoxicado por mercurio por intento autodestructivo. Se analizan las diversas formas de intoxicación por este metal así como su sintomatología, haciendo énfasis en la terapéutica utilizada y al mismo tiempo se mencionan las causas que pueden motivar esta autodestrucción.

Influence of industrial pollutants on thyroid function in Channa punctatus (Bloch).

A 30 day exposure of C. punctatus to sublethal levels of phenol, ammonia, mercuric chloride, cadmium chloride and a mixture of the four resulted in an overall activation of guaiacol peroxidase and depression of iodide peroxidase (IPOD) activity and blood T4 titre. Interestingly enough, in case of 15 day ammonia and 1 day mercury exposures, an increase of IPOD activity was accompanied by a decrease in T4 titre. In general, phenol, mercury, cadmium and the mixture of pollutants were found to inhibit LP activity by 56% to 85% while ammonia inhibited lysosomal protease (LP) activity by 70%. Alterations in acid phosphatase (AP) activity indicate changes in the lysosomal membrane characteristics caused by these toxicants. Considering the concomitant alterations in IPOD, T4, LP and AP it is surmised that thyroid function in C. punctatus is influenced by the pollutants by two pathways, one via IPOD pathway affecting T4 synthesis and the other via lysosomal pathway affecting T4 release.

Experimental study of mercuric chloride induced nephrotoxicity in rats: histochemical and ultrastructural studies

The aim of this study is to through light on the changes in the kidney of rats intoxicated with mercuric chloride. The study was carried out on 45 adult male albino rats of which 5 were used as normal control and 40 rats were intoxicated with mercuric chloride for two weeks. All rats were sacrificed and their kidneys were subjected for study. Histopathological, histochemical and electron microscopic changes are presented and discussed