Analysis of Gross Anatomical Parameters of Kidney in Male Rats Following Lead Poisoning by Using a Stereological Method

Abstract

ead is one of the heavy metals, which has adverse effects on renal function and driving to nephropathy. The aim of present experiment was to surveyed changes in gross anatomic parameters of kidney following lead poisoning by an unbiased stereological technique. In this experimental study 66 male adult Wistar rats selected randomly and divided into 6 groups, 3 control and 3 administration groups (n=11). Administration groups received a solution of 0.13% lead acetate as drinking water for a period of 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively. Simultaneously controls received distilled water at the same periods respectively. Thereafter at the end of each period kidney dissected and after fixation in Lilie’s solution, embedded in 7% agar, sectioned into 1 millimeter slices by means of a tissue slicer. Then stereological analysis includes determining total volume of kidney, volume of renal cortex and medulla performed by a method based on Cavalier’s principle. Data were analyzed by oneway ANOVA and differences between groups less than 0.05 considered significant. There was an increase in mean total volume of kidney in administration groups compared to their controls. This was significant in groups, which received lead acetate as drinking water for 8 and 12 weeks (P