Pathology of experimentally induced acute toxicity of potassium dichromate in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Potassium dichromate toxicity was induced in Wistar rats to study hematological, biochemical and histopathological alterations. Twelve Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were divided into two equal groups, with one group (Group II) receiving potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) @ 25 mg/kg b. wt. orally by gavage as a single dose, and the other (Group I) serving as control was given normal diet. The rats were observed for 72 hours and sacrificed post treatment. Clinical signs such as dullness, depression and erection of hairs were observed in Group II rats. Haematology revealed significant (P<0.05) decrease in mean values of Hb, PCV and TEC and significant (P<0.05) increase in mean values of TLC in rats of treatment group. A significant (P<0.05) rise in mean values of plasma creatinine, urea nitrogen, ALT, AST and ALP was recorded in group II rats. Pathological changes comprised of congestion, hemorrhages, degeneration and necrosis in visceral organs. The lesions were prominent and severe in kidneys followed by liver.