EXPOSURE TO UPPERCOTT AFFECTS HEMATOLOGICAL INDICES IN MALE ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Modo Emmanuel U.*, Uboh Friday E., Agiang Margaret A., Dongo Bright S., Etim Gabriel O. and Wopara Iheanyichukwu

ABSTRACT

The hematological indices of Albino rats treated with uppercott at 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% of LD50 were assessed. Forty-five male albino rats, divided into 5 groups of nine rats each were used. Group 1 (control) was fed rat chow only; group 2 was used as the vehicle (Control administered only oil); while groups 3-5 (experimental groups) were treated with uppercott at different concentrations. The results as compared to the control groups showed that WBC concentration was significantly higher (p<0.05) in 5%M compared to OCM and other test groups. RBCs were not significantly decreased across all test groups. HGB was slightly decreased in 7.5% M compared to all controls and test groups, while HCT significantly increased in 5%M. No significant difference was observed in the MCV concentration, whereas, MCH and MCHC significantly decreased (p<0.05) in 7.5%M compared to all controls and test groups. Platelets concentration significantly (p<0.05) increased in OCM compared to NCM and other test groups. Lymphocytes decreased significantly (p<0.05) in 7.5%M compared to control and other test groups. Over all data showed that uppercott had a deliterous effect on hematological indices suggesting that uppercott is an environmental pollutant, which should be used with caution.

Keywords: hematology, uppercott, vehicle, environment, olive oil.