Determination of Toxicity Impacts of Copper on Serum Parameters Related to Renal Functions in Wistar Male Rats

Copper (Cu) is one of the most important heavy metals. Regarding to Cu importance and applications of this metal in medicine and industry, investigation of its impact on human life and disorders in different vital parameters would be necessary. This study investigates the toxicity impact of Cu on serum parameters related to renal function.

Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups. Copper chloride was daily injected to rats with amounts of 0.5 cc, 0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg of normal saline for control group intraperitoneally for three weeks. Then, Serum parameters of renal function (sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine and protein) were measured.

Exposure to copper chloride reduces the level of urea, sodium and protein and increases serum creatinine and potassium levels than the control group significantly. These impacts were dose-dependent as the amount of 1.5 mg / kg of copper chloride, created poisoning from this element has increased.

The findings of this study show that following the exposure with copper chloride, kidney function is impaired. Since copper has an important role in body function, more attention should be paid to this metal.