Present study was undertaken to evaluate cardiogenic intoxication of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and their combination, and to evaluate therapeutic potential of N-Acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) against the toxicity. A total of 48 male wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups comprising of 6 rats in each. Group 1 was kept as normal control throughout the experimental period, 2 was given NAC @ 300 mg per kg body weight by gavage, 3 was given lead (lead acetate @ 1000 ppm in feed), 4 was given cadmium (cadmium chloride @ 300 ppm in feed), 5 was given lead + cadmium as per above doses in feed, 6 was given lead + NAC, 7 was given cadmium + NAC, and group 8 was given lead + cadmium + NAC as per above schedule for 3 months. Erythrocytic SOD, sero-biochemical parameters like CPK, troponins, plasma thiobarbituric acid reacting ubstances (TBARS) were estimated at monthly intervals. The antioxidant profile (reduced glutathione; GSH, glutathione S-transferase; GST, TBARS and protein carbonyls) in heart tissue homogenate and also interaction of lead and cadmium with zinc and copper were assessed at the end of the experiment. The results of the investigation revealed that toxic effects were more pronounced in the group that received a combination of lead and cadmium suggesting positive toxicodynamic interaction. Use of NAC countered the adverse effects of Pb and Cd induced toxicity to a major extent suggesting its antioxidant potential owing to replenishment of tissue pool of GSH. Further, NAC administration reduced the extent of accumulation of Pb and Cd in heart.
Loading....