EFFECT OF LONG-TERM ARSENIC EXPOSURE ON FEMALE ALBINO RATS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF SPIRULINA PLATENSIS

Arsenic toxicity has important health concern as it affects different animal species all over the world. This study was designed to evaluate the histological changes caused by chronic arsenic exposure on some body organs of female albino rats, and the protective role of Spirulina platensis. In this experiment, 20 female albino rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups; control group and three groups that received spirulina (Sp), sodium arsenate and sodium arsenate plus spirulina respectively, for 3 months by oral gavages. Arsenic treated group revealed decreased level of serum estradiol (E2) in comparison to control group, while this level was improved with spirulina administration. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly increased in arsenic treated group as compared with control group and co-treatment with spirulina reversed this level to nearly normal. Serum glutathione (GSH) activity significantly reduced in arsenic administered group in comparison with the control. On the other hand, spirulina co-treatment significantly improved serum GSH levels. Arsenic treatment significantly increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Spirulina administration significantly recovered the serum AST and ALT levels. Histopathological findings revealed different degenerative and inflammatory changes in uterus, liver, heart, lungs and brain of arsenic treated group. Histological alterations were markedly improved by co-treatment with spirulina. Chronic arsenic exposure causes different histological alterations in body organs, and these changes can be improved by co-treatment with Spirulina platensis.