Assessment of histopathological damages in Swiss albino male mice induced by automobile waste leachate

Abstract

The activities of auto-mechanic workshops in Nigeria are known to adversely affect the environment and pose threat to its biodiversity. This present study examined the testes, liver and kidney histopathological damages in Swiss albino male mice caused by automobile waste leachate from Ipata-Oloje, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Six treatment groups of 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25% leachate and a positive control each containing four mice per replicate were intraperitoneally administered 0.5 mL leachate sample as well as negative and positive control for 5 consecutive days. The result of heavy metal analysis of the sample presented elements such as Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Cr, Cu, Fe and Zn at concentrations above the permissible limits. The histology of kidney, liver and testes show gross structural abnormalities compared to the negative control. Testes histopathological damage includes shrinking of the tubular epithelium, slight vacuolation, degeneration of the tubular epithelium and atrophy of the germinal epithelium. Liver damages include distorted liver tissue architecture with infiltration, unevenly distributed sinusoids around the hepatic and portal tracts. This study showed organ toxicity arising from automobile waste and will help in proper management and disposal of this waste.

Keywords: Mice, Automobile waste, Histopathological damages, Vacuolation, Tubular epithelium, Sinusoids, Heavy metals