The present study was designed to investigate the prophylactic effect of zinc sulphate (ZnSo4) against mercuric chloride (HgCl2) toxicosis. Thirty rats were divided equally into three groups. The 1st group was kept as control, the 2nd group was injected subcutaneously (s/c) with 1 mg HgCl2 / kg BW three times weekly, and the 3rd group was administered ZnSo4 in drinking water (227 mg/liter) in combination with HgCl2 in the same dose, route and period of the 2nd group. The evaluated parameters were assessed after 4 weeks of the experiment. Results revealed that the rats of all treated groups did not show any significant change in white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration (HB), hematocrit (HCT) and platelets count. Also, serum total protein, albumin and globulin did not show any significant changes in the rats of all treated groups as compared to control one. While, blood urea, serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels were significantly increased in rats of 2nd group compared to control. Moreover, mercuric chloride toxicosis induced significant oxidative and histopathological changes in liver and kidneys. Administration of zinc sulphate ameliorated some biochemical parameters, the oxidative and histopathological changes induced by mercuric chloride. It could be concluded that ZnSo4 has a protective value against HgCl2 induced toxicosis in rats.Keywords HgCl2, ZnSo4, kidney, liver enzymes, rats.
Key words: mercury, zinc
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