Biochemical Changes in Albino Rats Exposed to Rice Husk Dusk at Abakaliki Rice Mill Industrial Area

Abstract

Purpose: The effect of rice husk dust inhalation on some biochemical parameters was conducted on albino rats. Method: 100 albino rats were divided into five groups with each group containing twenty albino rats. Group A served as the control and were housed at the animal house away from rice dust while group B, C, and D were exposed to rice husk dust for two week, three weeks and four weeks respectively for dust inhalation. They were allowed access to rats feeds and deionized water ad libitium. Blood samples were collected from each group at the end of exposure by cardiac puncture. Glucose level was determined using the glucose reagent kit,  acid phosphatase concentration was performed using reagent kits, creatinine and uric acid concentration was  determined spectrophotometrically, the weight of the rats were recorded daily.  Results: Result showed significant reduction in body weight of the exposed. The glucose level decreased significantly while the serum acid phosphatase and serum uric acid level showed a significant increase. Histological result showed various degrees of damage to the kidney of the exposed rats. Conclusion: We therefore conclude that rice husk dust inhalation induces glucose depletion, injury to the kidney and prostatic glands in the albino rat and impairs the renal function.