For the present study the harmful effects of cadmium toxicity on several biochemical blood parameters and evaluation of the possible protective effects of two natural antioxidants (vitamin C and vitamin E) in rabbits exposed to cadmium were investigated. Fourty two white male New-Zealand rabbits of 2-3 months old were used in this study. The rabbits were divided into six equal groups of seven rabbits each. Group I: (Control group) received no drugs. Group II: Administered with Vitamin C (46.67 mg/kg body weight orally and daily). Group III: Received Vitamin E (18.67 mg/kg body weight orally and daily). Group IV: Received cadmium chloride (0.5mg/kg. body weight orally and daily). Group V: Received cadmium chloride (0.5mg/kg. B.W) and treated daily with Vitamin C (46.67 mg/kg body weight). Group VI: Received cadmium chloride (0.5mg/kg. B.W) and treated daily with Vitamin E (46.67 mg/kg body weight). Heparinized blood samples were collected from all animal groups three times at one, two and three months from the onset of rabbits exposed to cadmium and administered with antioxidant compounds. Plasma was separated and processed directly for determination of AST, ALT and ALP activities. Total protein, Albumin, globulin, total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, Urea, creatinine, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, iron profiles ( total iron, TIBC, UIBC, transferrin and transferrin saturation percent) and lipid peroxidation (L-MDA) concentrations as well as erythrocyte catalase enzyme activity were also determined. Liver and kidney cadmium residues were also determined. The obtained results revealed that, there was a significant increase in plasma ALT , AST, erythrocyte catatase activities, urea, creatinine and L-MDA concentrations, Liver and kidney cadmium residue in cadmium exposed rabbits. Vitamin C or E administrations in cadmium intoxicated rabbits exhibited significant decrease in all mentioned parameters. On the other hand, a significant decrease in plasma total cholesterol, triacylglycerols , calcium, inorganic phosphorus, iron, transferrin , TIBC, UIBC concentrations and transferrin saturation % were observed in cadmium intoxicated rabbits. Vitamin C or E administrations in cadmium intoxicated rabbits exhibited significant increase in all mentioned parameters. From the obtained results it could be concluded that, the potential of natural antioxidants (vitamin C and E) as a powerful agent against the toxic effect of cadmium, and these antioxidants also exerted modulators effect on heavy metals induced toxicity in white male New-Zealand rabbits. |
