In vivo Evaluation of the Effect of Aluminum Exposure on Rat Livers

Aims The aim of the current research was to investigate the effect of aluminum exposure on humoral immunity (immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M serum levels), function enzymes, and histological alterations in the liver of rats. Materials & Methods Sixteen albino male rats at fifteen weeks were grouped into four groups, and administered with aluminum chloride at 35g/Kg of body weight for 8, 12 and 16 weeks, while the control group was fed with a normal diet for 16 weeks. The rats were anesthetized, blood was collected, and serum separated for estimation levels of immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, alanine aminotransferase (also called transaminase) and alkaline phosphatase, then rats were sacrificed, livers isolated and divided into two parts; the first was used for micronucleus (MN) assay, and the second was subjected to histopathological examination. Findings There was a significant increase (p<0.01) of sera immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M amongst all treated groups compared with the control group. There was a significant elevation in alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels among all case groups as compared with the control. The results of the histopathological examination showed different alterations according to the period of aluminum chloride administration, such as decomposition and degeneration of hepatocytes, presence of fibroblast and lymphocytes infiltration with thickening wall of the blood vessel, increase kupffer cells, necrotic foci, haemosiderin in hepatocytes sinuses, congestion with polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration within central. Conclusion The aluminum chloride administration causes significant histological alteration in immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, liver tissue rates, and an increase in micronucleus frequency as well as changes in levels of liver function enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase.