Abstract

LEAD ACETATE EFFECTS ON HEPATOCYTE DEGENERATION IN CHICK EMBRYO LIVER

Thyaga Raju Kedam* and Pallavi Chittoor

ABSTRACT

The liver is considered as one of the target organs affected by lead toxicity owing to its site of storage after exposure. Liver is a primary organ involved in the biotransformation and detoxification of toxic substances. Inhalation and ingestion of lead are the most common routes of exposure. Absorbed lead is stored in liver via the portal vein, for this reason the study was conducted to describe the histological changes after lead exposure in developing chick embryo. The lead acetate treated chick embryo liver during development has acquired modification of normal to necrosed structure. The necrosed liver under microscopy showed congestion, elongated sinusoidal spaces and degenerated hepatocytes. Hence the present study concludes that the lead as heavy metal causes damage to liver and hepatocytes.

Keywords: Liver, Chick embryo, Lead acetate, Histology, Detoxification.