Aluminum is a nonessential element, and human are constantly exposed to it as a result of an increase in industrialization and improving technology practices. Its toxicity induces several clinical disorders such as neurotoxicity, gastrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, bone diseases, and anemia. The present investigation is concerned with the study of histopathological effects of aluminum and how to decrease its toxic effects on animal tissues by using zinc element. Thirteen lactating mother rats, immediately after birth, were divided into three equal groups and treated intraperitoneally throughout the breast-feeding period; the first group was a standard untreated group, the second group was treated with aluminum chloride (10 mg/kg/day), the third group was treated with aluminum chloride in addition to a similar dose of zinc. The histological examination by light microscope for mothers at the end of the breast-feeding period and babies (one week, two weeks, and three weeks age) showed disturbance in the histological structure of liver, lung and kidney in comparison with those of the standard untreated group. The group which was treated with zinc and aluminum showed significant improvement in most tissues of mothers and babies (liver and lung). However, in kidney the damage was recorded in some limited tissue areas. Ultrastructural study of mother liver confirmed the previously obtained light results. The present investigation focused more lights on the great importance of reducing the time and dose of exposure to aluminum and the possible protective role of zinc.
Key words: Aluminum, liver, lung, kidney, Zinc
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