Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

THE POTENTIAL ATTENUATION OF LEAD IMMUNO TOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS CONSUMING OPUNTIA FICUS INDICA

Naouel Boudjema, Farida Loudjani, Zeyneb Ladouali and Cherif Abdennour

Abstract

Male Wistar rats have been given either Pb alone or combined with Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) for a period of 4 weeks. Red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), leucocytes, Serum albumin, proteins, Ca, Fe, IgM, and histological study were evaluated. The most important results have showed a significant decrease in RBC, Hb, biochemical parameters and neutrophils with an increase in the rest of leukocyte subpopulations and IgM in Pb exposed group. However, the combined treatment resulted in a significant inverse finding. Concerning eosinophils there were no significant differences between all groups compared to control and positive control. The histological study of spleen have been affected by lead treatment, whereas, those of combined treatment group were significantly very close to both the controls. The results, thus, indicate a significant positive action of flowers of OFI against the toxic effects of Pb on protein renal filtration and the immune reactions. To conclude, water contaminated by Pb and containing sufficient amount of OFI, could participate in reducing metal toxicities.