Potassium Dichromate induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)

The present study was designed to study Oxidative stress and genotoxicity induced by Potassium Dichromate in Wistar rats.50 colony bred Albino Wistar strain rats of either sex, divided uniformly into five different Groups. The rat of Group A received only Distilled water as control while, Group B, C and D were given Potassium Dichromate@ 0.625 mg/kg b.wt. (body weight), 1.25 mg/kg b.wt. and 2.5 mg/kg b.wt., respectively, orally by gavage for 28 days. Group E served as a positive control for genotoxicity given cyclophosphamide @ 20 mg/kg body weight intraperitonially prior to 24 hrs of sacrifice. The significant (P < 0.05) decrease in body weight was observed in rats of Group D from day 21^st onwards. A significant dose dependent rise in Lipid peroxide level was observed in all chromium treated rats whereas, significant decrease in SOD values were observed in Group C and Group D rats. A dose dependent significant rise in chromium concentration in kidney, liver and lung were observed. There was dose dependent increase in the mean comet cell percentage in Group A, B, C and D.The present study indicates genotoxicity and oxidative stressin Wistar rats induced by Potassium Dichromate toxicity.