Arsenic Induced Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction Prevented by Antioxidants in Fetal kidneys of Albino Mice

Abstract

Background &Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases and hypertension has a significant correlation with chronic arsenic exposure through drinking water. This study was designed to investigate the prevention of sodium arsenate induced vascular disorders by Vitamins C& E in fetal renal blood vessels of albino mice.

Materials & Methods: Gravid albino mice of BALB/c strain (twenty four) were randomly divided into 4 groups having 6 animals each. Control group A was inoculated with 0.1ml/kg/day distilled water I/P for 18 days.  Animals of groups B, C & D were given a single I/P injection of sodium arsenate 35mg/kg on 8^th GD, whereas groups C and D were also injected with Vitamin C,  9 mg/kg/day and vitamin E 15 mg/kg/day by I/P route, beginning from 8^th GD and continued for the entire pregnancy period. On 18^th day of gestation fetal kidneys were extracted. Histological examination of renal blood vessels was performed for any discernable congestion, endothelial disruption and hyalinization and frequency of changes were expressed as percentages.

 Results: In group (B) sodium arsenate induction resulted in congestion of blood vessels, hemorrhages in glomerular capillaries and thickening of endothelial walls. The addition of Vitamins C and E in groups C & D respectively had reduced the congestion and endothelial thickening. Mean score of histological changes was statistically significant.

Conclusions: The results showed the antioxidant prospective of Vitamins C and E in combating against the vascular lesions induced by sodium arsenate.