Sub Chronic Toxicity of Arsenic Trioxide on Swiss Albino Mice

We conducted an experiment to study the effect of low dose of arsenic on total blood cell count, liver and kidney functions of Swiss albino mice and to study the protective role of garlic and ascorbic acid on the arsenic induced toxicity. We found that the complete picture of blood was not significantly disturbed by low dose of arsenic but significant changes were found in the SGOT and SGPT levels of treated groups of mice as compared to the controls. There were no significant changes in the serum levels of urea, uric acid and creatinine. However a significant rise in the blood sugar level was seen. Damage in the soft tissues of digestive tract and uterus were also seen. Therefore, it is suggested that water containing even low dose of arsenic should not be consumed. Protective roles of ascorbic acid and garlic were not seen in our study.