MODULATORY EFFECT OF BORIC ACID AGAINST LEAD INDUCED MUTAGENICITY IN MICE IN VIVO

The modulatory effect of boric acid as a proactive micronutrient against lead induced mutagenicity was investigated in albino mice using both enzyme and micronucleus assays for a 7-day exposure. The experimental findings confirm that lead is a mutagen that induces micronuclei polychromatic erythrocytes [PCE] in mice bone marrow cells. This indicates that it could also induce chromosomal aberration and as well damage tissues such as liver, lungs, and kidney. However, from enzyme assay, treatment with boric acid administered resulted in high increase in activities for both serum and liver gamma glutamyl-transferase with highest mean values (24.00 ^/L) and (15.56 ^/L) respectively. The results obtained from the micronucleus assay showed that boric acid induced toxicity in mice as there was marked increase in the frequency of polychromatic erythrocytes of the bone marrow cells of the animals when boric acid was administered compared to the negative control. Boric acid with lead had the highest mean values for both serum and liver gamma glutamyl-transferase activities and highest frequency of occurrence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the bone marrow of mice. This could be attributed to enzyme induction and chromosomal aberration. Thus, consumption of boric acid as a renowned micronutrient may not offer protection against mutagenic effects of lead.