Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Department of Histology and Cytology

This study conducted on mature fourty albino rats of both sexes to evaluate the effect of vitamin E and Selenium role to ameliorate histological alterations induced by lead toxicity. Rats divideded into 4 groups. Group I: control given distilled water. Group II: exposed group administrated orally sublethal dose of (10mg/kg bwt) lead acetate trihydrate, Group III: administrated vitamin E and selenium (1ml/liter D.W) plus lead acetate trihydrate and Group IV: administrated vitamin E and selenium in drinking water. The structural changes in liver, kidney and spinal cord were investigated by histological, histomorphometrical, histochemical, transmission electron microscopy, biochemical assay of liver enzymes, albumin, renal urea, creatinine and immunohistochemical examination. The results of lead exposed rats showed apparently dilated central vein and blood sinusoids in hepatic tissue, dilated renal glomerular capillaries that filled with blood. Interrupted myelin sheath in white matter nerve fibers of spinal cord. Decreased concentration of (GSH) in three organs compared to control. Significant elevation of liver enzymes, urea, creatinine and reduction in albumin level in serum. positive COX2 immunoreactivity in cytoplasm of most hepatocytes. Weak GFAP expression in astrocytes. On the other hand in vitamin E and Selenium plus lead acetate administrated group revealed narrow hepatic sinusoids and renal glomerular capillaries appeared less filled with blood. The myelin sheath appeared normal. Elevation of GSH concentration in three organs. Significant reduction in liver enzymes, urea, creatinine and elevation of albumin level. Positive COX2 reaction in cytoplasm of some hepatocytes. Moderate GFAP expression in astrocyte. Therefore vitamin E and Selenium had a protective role against lead acetate effect

Issued also as CD