THE MACROSCOPIC AND MICROSCOPIC EFFECTS OF ASCORBIC ACID ON THE KIDNEY OF MALE RABBITS EXPOSED TO LEAD

Background and Technological Progress and urbanization have caused lead pollution in air water and earth and higher lead intakes into the body have renal and nervous disorders. Since ascorbic acid acts as a can antioxidant can it reduce the toxic effects of lead in kidneys? In order to answer this question this study was designed to investigate the macroscopic and microscopic effects of ascorbic acid on the kidney of male rabbits exposed to lead. Methods and Materials: This experimental research was conducted on 40 white male rabbits at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences Iran. After adapting to the new environment rabbits were randomly assigned into four groups of ten: a control group exclusive ascorbic acid group exclusive lead group and the fourth group receiving both lead and ascorbic acid. After a 40-day diet they were anaesthetized by pentobarbital and their kidneys were extracted. Tissue processing was conducted after kidneys were weighed and measured. Also five-micron sections were prepared through serial sections stained with H&E. The slides were studied using a light microscope. ANOVA and t-test were used in data analysis. Mean weight and dimension of the Kidneys were not significantly different across the four groups. Proximal convoluted tubules were observed in the exclusive lead group but not in other three groups. Ascorbic acid was effective in reducing the toxic effects of lead on kidney tissues.