ijvp

Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology

0250-47580973-970X

Indian Association of Veterinary Pathologists

ijvp-36-1-abs001

ABSTRACTS OF DISSERTATIONS OR ARTICLES

Studies on toxicopathology of sodium benzoate in rats

Dewangan

Deepmala

¹Ghosh

R. C.

Dr.¹

¹Degree/Year: M.V.Sc./2009, Name of the University: Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, C. G.

162012

361124124

2012

IndianJournals.com

A detailed study on toxicobiological effects (acute and sub acute) of sodium benzoate was undertaken in 6 week old albino rats. For acute toxicity study, the rats were administered sodium benzoate as single oral dose of 3544 mg/kg body weight (Approximate lethal dose) in distilled water through gastric probe. During acute toxicity, the treated rats manifested depression, severe respiratory distress, piloerection, extended hind legs, exophthalmus, tremors, diarrhoea, porphyrin staining around eyes and nostrils and convulsions followed by death. At necropsy severe haemorrhages in lungs and mild congestion in liver were noticed in acute toxicity of sodium benzoate. Microscopically congestion, haemorrhages and necrosis were found in liver, lungs, spleen and brain. A subacute toxicity study of sodium benzoate was undertaken in 72 albino rats consisting of equal number of male and female rats randomly divided into four groups containing 18 rats each (9 Males + 9 Females). Sodium benzoate was administered orally @ 25, 100 and 400 mg/kg of body weight to rats of group II, III and IV respectively. Group I served as control. Once daily oral dosing was carried out for 28 days. All the rats were monitored for any observable toxic symptoms throughout the experimental period and they were also weighed weekly to monitor body weight gain. Weekly body weight was decreased significantly (P≤0.01) in rats of group II, III and IV in dose dependent manner. Dose dependent increase in weight of liver and kidneys was found in the sodium benzoate treated rats. Sodium benzoate did not affect the weights of heart, lungs and spleen though significant (P≤0.01) increase in weights of brain in rats of group III was found. Haematological results showed significant (P≤0.01) decrease in total erythrocyte count, leukocyte count and haemoglobin concentration. The mean values of mean corpuscular volume were found to be significantly (P≤0.01) higher in rats of group III and group IV. Among the biochemical analytes, significant (P≤0.05) increases in plasma aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatases, total protein, albumin, creatinine and cholesterol were found in sodium benzoate treated rats on day 28. However, non significant hypoglycaemia, hypoglobulinemia and increased levels of blood urea nitrogen and uric acid were also observed. Significant decrease (P≤0.01) in antibody titer to SRBCs in all the treated groups and decrease in cell mediated immune response as evaluated by delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to DNFB were observed in rats of group II, III and IV. Gross and histopathological changes in various organs of rats treated with sodium benzoate were observed with typical dose dependent toxicity signs. Severe degenerative and necrotic changes were observed in liver, heart, kidneys, brain and testes of sodium benzoate treated rats. Hemorrhages were found in liver, lungs, heart and kidney of sodium benzoate treated rats. Serous exudation was found in lungs and brain of sodium benzoate treated rats. Fatty changes were marked in liver of sodium benzoate treated rats. Toxicopathological studies on sodium benzoate in rats revealed hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and suppression of cell mediated and humoral immunity resulting in increased susceptibility of animals to various infectious agents. In conclusion, sodium benzoate at concentrations even below that of safe limits for the use of this compound as a preservative suggest that caution be taken for indiscriminate use of it in various food items as preservatives for animal and human consumption.