Protective Effect of Vitamin C on Body Weight of Albino Rats with Lead Toxicity

Aim: To investigate whether lead toxicity can reduce the body weight of albino rats. If the reduction occurs, with what dose the animals can be protected by vitamin C against lead toxicity and reduction of body weight. Study design: Experimental study Place and duration of study: This study was conducted in Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore from May 2007 to March 2013 in Department of Anatomy. Methods: From National Health Institute, Islamabad 90 Albino rats were purchased and divided into five groups A, B, C, D, and E. Each group has 18 animals. Group A was given normal saline, B lead acetate, C, D and E lead acetate with high dose of vitamin C. Results: The lead treated animals reduced 16% of body weight in 4 weeks as reported by Harvey. The loss of body weight was due to loss of appetite and gastrointestinal disturbance. In another study by Biswas and Gosh, the animals gained weight with lead toxicity but not to the extent gained with normal saline in 14 days. In this experiment it has proved that lead toxicity reduced the body weight of albino rats and this reduction can be protected with heavy dose of vitamin C Conclusion: Lead toxicity reduced the body weight. This reduction can be protected with heavy dose of Vit. C.