Histopathological Changes in Arsenic Kushta Induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats.

To determine the nephrotoxic effects of arsenic kushta (Kushta Sam-ul-Far) in Wistar rats.

Experimental study.

Department of Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore from May to August 2014.

This experimental study was conducted on 48 healthy Wistar rats, each weighing 200 - 250 grams. The rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups each containing 12 rats. Group I was taken as control given flour pellets. Group II was given single dose (180 mg/kg) of arsenic kushta for 2 weeks. Group III received 150 mg/kg of arsenic kushta for 12 weeks; whereas, group IV was also given 150 mg/kg of arsenic kushta for 12 weeks along with 75 mg of BSA (bovine serum albumin). Histopathological changes in glomeruli, tubules and interstitium were noted in the kidney.

Mesangial proliferation, thickening of basement membrane, necrosis, and interstitial edema were mainly observed in all the above groups except group I which served as control. These changes were seen in greater severity in high dose groups and the group given BSA injection along with kushta (group III, IV).

Herbo-mineral preparations of arsenic kushta are nephrotoxic in rats and may have similar toxic effects in human beings.