Effect of Sodium Arsenite on Carbohydrate Metabolism in Male Albino Rats

The present experiment has been designed to find out the effect of arsenic on carbohydrate metabolism of albino rats. The effect was observed on serum glucose and liver glycogen after 30 and 60 days’ oral exposure to sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂). The size of liver was also compared with that of control. The animals were exposed for two different doses i.e. High and Low. Study shows increase in serum glucose and depletion of liver glycogen. The high doses of arsenic showed more adverse effect as compared to low dose. The increase in serum glucose under low dose for 30 and 60 days was 11.74% and 12.15%. The increase in serum glucose under high dose for 30 and 60 days was 15.15% and 26.67%. The decrease in liver glycogen under low dose for 30 and 60 days were found to be 21.90% and 29.94% respectively. The decrease in liver glycogen under highest dose of arsenic for 30, and 60 days was found to be 31.44%, and 37.84% respectively. Exposure to 60 days’ duration, showed maximum increase of serum glucose while fall in glycogen percentage. Hepatomegaly was also observed showing that the rats were under stress due to arsenic toxicity. The arsenic toxicity was proportional to dose and time.