The ameliorative effects of ascorbic acid and/or ginseng on the toxicity of chromium on the thyroid gland were reported in rats. Fifty male rats were divided into five groups (n=10). The 1st group was received saline; 2nd group received potassium dichromate (2.5 mg/kg); 3rd group received potassium dichromate and ascorbic acid (120 mg/kg); 4th group administrated potassium dichromate and ginseng extract (20 mg/kg) and 5th group administrated potassium dichromate and ascorbic acid and ginseng extract. All groups were administrated orally by stomach tube daily for 4 weeks. A significant increase in serum TSH level at the 2nd group; whereas it decreased significantly in the 3rd and 4th groups on comparison with the control group. The level of T3, T4, FT3 and FT4 concentrations showed a significant decrease in 2nd group; while in 3rd and 4th groups a significant increase on its level when compared with control group. Moreover, rats received potassium dichromate showed degeneration and necrosis of the thyroid follicles associated with vacuolation of other epithelial lining. The immune expression of Bcl2 in thyrocytes cytoplasm was reported. So, the structural changes in thyroid follicular cells induced by potassium dichromate were partially improvement by ascorbic acid and ginseng supplementation. |
