Effect of Mercuric Chloride on Hepatic Phosphatases and Transaminases in Albino Rat

Mercuric chloride is a serious health hazard and produces various disorders. However, phosphatases and transaminases are marker enzymes of hepatic toxicity. Twenty four adult albino rats have taken and divided into 4 groups. Group one for acute study, while three for subacute studies with 3 rats in each. Control was also taken with similar references. Mercuric chloride gave orally administered (LD50=9.26mg/kg b.w.) by gavage tube with distilled water. Rats were autopsized at predetermined time interval to assess hepatic toxicity. Phosphatases include alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase while transaminases include alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase. Results revealed that ALP and ACP were significantly increased after acute and subacute treatment due to the destruction of the cell membrane of lysosomes. However, AST and ALT were also increased significantly due to toxic effect of mercuric chloride on hepatic cells. Hence, the present study demonstrates that mercuric chloride produces hepatic toxicity in the form of elevation of phosphatases and transaminases enzyme level.