Abstract

Marked alteration in the physiological concentrations of blood lipids has been implicated in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and other metabolic disorders. Such disturbance in homeostasis may stem from exposure to environmental pollutants or hazardous laboratory chemicals. This study therefore examined the effects of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a common laboratory chemical on the levels of blood lipid molecules in animal model (Wistar rat). After a 14-day period of acclimatization, 36 adult male Wistar rats (mean weight of 185.2 ± 5.3g) were randomly assigned to three groups, (n = 12). Group i animals served as control while groups ii and iii animals were subjected to single intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 at doses of 1.0 and 1.5 mL/kg of body weight (BW) respectively. Four animals from each group were sacrificed at 24 and 48h post CCl4 administration; and blood samples were collected and used for estimation of lipid molecules, using clinical diagnostic kits (Randox®). Analysis of the data obtained showed that CCl4 at the investigated doses caused significant alterations in levels of blood lipids when compared to their baseline values in control animals. There was a positive correlation between CCl4-induced alteration and administered dosage as well as exposure time. In 24h post CCl4 administration (at a dose of 1.0 mL/kg BW), total cholesterol (T-chol), triacylglycerol (TAG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) elevated by 20.92, 6.28 and 18.40% respectively. These values respectively increased to 63.16, 59.61 and 75.34% at 48h post CCl4 treatment. Increase in CCl4 dosage to 1.5 mL/kg BW caused further elevation in blood T-chol (85.57%), TAG (84.24%) and LDL (105.61%). The level of HDL was apparently not affected by CCl4 at the investigated doses within 24h post administration. However, at 48h post administration, CCl4 caused significant (P ˂ 0.05) decline in high density lipoprotein (HDL) by 47.03 and 88.41% at 1.0 and 1.5 mL/kg BW respectively. The outcome of this study highlights the potential of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to cause morbid disturbances in lipid homeostasis and further affirms its toxicity as a common laboratory chemical. It is therefore recommended that individuals should take necessary precautions in handling of CCl4 and avoid exposure to the chemical.

Keywords: Carbon Tetrachloride; Toxicity; Lipids; Wistar Rats

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