Histopathological effects of Chromium (III) Sulfate on Liver and Kidney of Swiss Albino Mice (Mus musculus)

Chromium (III) sulfate has various industrial applications and is widely used in leather industry due to its high tanning properties. Cr (III) is required for efficient metabolism of fats and carbohydrates in traces. Various studies have reported that its constant exposure may lead  to severe health problems in both animals and humans. In this study, histopathological effect of dietary Cr (III) was evaluated on liver and kidneys of rodents. For this purpose, adult Swiss albino mice (n=25) were divided into different treatment and control groups (n=5/group) after sufficient acclimatization. After 3 weeks of treatment, animals were sacrificed and observations regarding histopathology of liver and kidneys were made in all treatment groups and compared to control. Microscopy and photography was performed after processing the tissues according to standard protocol of sectioning and staining. Liver cross sections  of treated animals showed signs of fibrosis in portal area, and congestion of sinusoid and central vein. Whereas, more pronounced effects of Cr (III) toxicity were observed in kidneys. These include mononuclear cell infiltration, necrosis and contraction of glomerulus within Bowman’s capsule. However, No pathological changes were observed in control group. These results support the hypothesis that enhanced level of Cr (III) contamination of food can induce both hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. These basic findings prove that currently increasing levels of trivalent chromium in environment are hazardous to living organisms. Therefore, to avoid health risks to both animals and humans, conversion of toxic chromium waste to less toxic compounds is required. Moreover, exposure level through any route should also be minimized.

Keywords – Chromium toxicity, Histopathology, sinusoid and central vein congestion, Swiss Albinomice, mononuclear infiltration