The Protective Effects of Vit C on Experimentally-Exposed Mice to Copper Toxicity

Abstract

Protective effects of Vit C against copper (Cu) toxicity have been examined in this study. The diagnosis of sub acute copper toxicity in laboratory mice was based on body weight gain, hematological and biochemical parameters and histopathology of liver and kidney . The experimental groups were a control group, mice treated with 4 mg/kg/day Cu (Cu group) , and mice treated with 4 mg/kg/day Cu plus 60 mg/kg /day Vit C (Cu+VitC group). The groups that were given Cu and Vit C intraperitoneally (ip) injection daily for four weeks. The results revealed significant decrease in body weight, hemoglobin, PCV, and RBCs count in Cu group, when compared with control and (Cu+VitC) group (P< 0.05). While WBCs count was significantly decreased in Cu group as compared with control. But (Cu + VitC) group was not statistical affect as compared with control group. The Cu group showed a significant increase in the levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST). However, the Cu + Vit group showed less affected when compared with control group. Some histopathological changes were found in liver such as: infiltration of mononuclear cells at parenchymal tissues, degeneration and necrosis. The kidney of Cu intoxicated mice show sever acute damage in the glomerulus and proximal tubule, but the Cu + Vit group showed less pathological effect or normal liver and kidney tissues. In conclusion, sub acute copper administration caused liver and kidney damage, In addition, the treatment with Vit C after the administration of Cu reduced these lesions cause by Cu.