HISTOLOGICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY TO DETECT THE EFFECT OF CHROMIUM TOXICITY ON THE SUBMANDIBULAR SALIVARY GLANDS OF ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Chromium is an essential trace element required for normal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. This study was performed to detect the effect of chromium toxicity on the

subrnandibular salivary gland of albino rats.

30 healthy albino rats were randomly selected and divided into 2 main groups: The control group: consisted of 6 rats receiving tap water containing permissible concentration of hexavalent chromium (ranging from 50-200 ppm). The study group: consisted of 24 rats and was subdivided into:

-Group I : included 8 rats receiving drinking water containing 250 ppm of chromium (VI) trioxide ad libitum daily for 3 months. -Group II : consisted of 8 rats receiving drinking water containing 450 ppm of chromium (VI) trioxide ad libitum daily for 3 months. -Group III : consisted of 8 receiving drinking water containing 750 ppm of chromium (VI) trioxide ad libitum daily for 3 months.

At the end of the study, blood samples were collected from the rats of the study and control groups to detect the serum chromium levels. Rats were euthanized with an overdose of diethylether, and submandibular salivary glands were dissected for histological and ultrastructural examination.

Results:

Serum chromium analysis showed no significant difference between the study and the control groups. Behavioural changes included lethargy and aggressiveness. Clinical changes were observed such as skin erythema