Effects of Newboldia laevis (ogirisi) on mercury chloride – induced kidney damage in adult male Wistar rats

Abstract

Drug-induced injury is a key cause of kidney disease. Mercuric chloride, an antineoplastic agent used for treating various malignancies can cause kidney injury and induce nephrotoxicity. This study was to determine the effects of Newbouldia laevis on mercury chloride- induced kidney damage in adult male Wistar rats. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing between 110 – 200g were used for this study. The animals were allocated to five groups: A to E with five rats per group. Group A served as the control group and was administered 1ml of distilled water daily. Group B received a low dose of Newbouldia laevis (200mg/kg body weight) for 28 days along with Mercuric chloride (10mg/kg body weight). Group C received an intermediate dose of Newbouldia laevis (400mg/kg) for 28 days with Mercuric chloride (10mg/kg). Group D received a high dose of Newbouldia laevis (800mg/kg) for 28 days with Mercuric chloride (10mg/kg). Group E received only Mercuric chloride (10mg/kg) daily for 28 days. Rats in each group were allowed unrestricted access to water and feed during the experiment. Intracardial collection of blood from the Wistar rats was carried out in each group and the kidney function were assessed. The kidney tissues were processed for light microscopy study. Group A kidney tissues showed normal tubules, glomeruli, and interstitial spaces. Group E showed mercuric chloride-induced kidney injury: perivascular infiltrates of inflammatory cells; patchy tubular necrosis. Group D showed amelioration of the damages caused by Mercuric chloride. It can be concluded that Newbouldia laevis ameliorated Mercuric chloride – induced kidney damage in dose-dependent-pattern.