Effect of oral administration of potassium dichromate on haematological parameters in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the repeated dose toxicity of potassium dichromate in male and female Wistar rats. The animals were divided randomly into four equal groups with five males and five females each. Group A rats received only deionised water and served as control. Group B (low dose), Group C (mid dose dose) and Group D (high dose) rats were given potassium dichromate @ 0.625 mg/kg b.wt. (1/40^th of LD₅₀), 1.25 mg/kg b.wt. (1/20^th of LD₅₀) and 2.5 mg/kg b.wt. (1/10^th of LD₅₀) respectively, orally by gavage for 28 days. Haematology revealed significant (P < 0.05) decrease in mean values of Hb, PCV, TEC, MCV and MCH in rats of treatment group. The DLC in Group D revealed significant (P < 0.05) increase in mean percent values of neutrophil and eosinophil and significant (P < 0.05) decrease in mean percent values of lymphocyte, whereas, basophil and monocyte count in all the treatment groups did not differ significantly. The pathomorphological changes comprised of congestion, hemorrhages, degeneration and necrosis in various visceral organs. The lesions were severe and prominent in kidneys followed by liver.