Effect of Resveratrol on Liver Histopathology of Lead-induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Aims: To investigate the effect of resveratrol on liver histopathology of lead-induced toxicity in wistar rats.

Study Design: Experimental Study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (11° 10' N, 07° 38' E), at the elevation of 650 m above sea level, located in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria and August- September, 2014.

Methodology: The study employed wistar rats (150 - 250 g) which were administered carboxymethylcellulose 10 g/l (control), lead acetate solution (120 mg/kg), lead acetate solution (120 mg/kg) and succimer (10 mg/kg BW); lead acetate solution (120 mg/kg) and resveratrol (200 mg/kg); lead acetate solution (120 mg/kg) and resveratrol (400 mg/kg); and resveratrol alone (400 mg/kg) then administered lead acetate solution (120 mg/kg) daily for 2 weeks and considered as prophylactic group. All treatments were through the oral route for different days. After the animals were euthanized, liver was removed from the rats and fixed in 10% formalin for at least 48 h. Livers were then processed routinely, and the tissues were embedded in paraffin wax. Histological sections was cut at 5 – 6 µm and stained with routine haematoxylin and eosin (H and E). A detailed microscopic examination was carried out by a consultant histopathologist. Photomicrograph of the liver was taken at magnification (x 250).

Results: In the liver, necrotic cell (hepatocyte), vacuolated hepatocyte, fatty changes and hydropic degeneration were observed in positive control group. In addition, there was an interrupted liver parenchyma with evidence of hyperemia in the liver sinusoids, complete congested central vein.

Conclusion: We concluded that lead poisoning in wistar rats causes toxicopathological changes in the liver of the wistar rats. Furthermore, the use of resveratrol as a protective agent can reduce the toxic effect of lead poisoning and improve the histopathological lesions observed in wistar rats at doses tested.