DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2016.v04i03.018

Pages: 264-271

Renal problems are among the diseases that have fatal outcome if not diagnosed early and given proper treatment. Unfortunately renal problems are on the increase worldwide. Many intrinsic and extrinsic factors can cause renal problems. One of such factors is chemical substances. This study aimed at investigating and correlating x-ray film fixer induced biochemical and histological renal injuries in wistar rats. The study was carried out between 15th July and 14th August, 2014. Eighteen (18) apparently healthy wistar rats of 20-24 weeks and weighing between 208g and 210g were randomly divided into three groups (A-C) of six rats each. Groups A and B were the experimental groups exposed to different concentrations of the fixer solution for periods ranging from 15- 30 days while group C served as the control group. At the end of each desired period of time, two rats were randomly selected from each group, painlessly sacrificed, the kidneys harvested and blood sample collected and examine/analyzed at the Medical Laboratory Sciences department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi Campus. Results showed raised serum urea and creatinine levels which were independent of the concentration of the developer solution in the first 15 days but concentration dependent at longer exposures. Varying histological changes were also observed, including distortion of tissue interstitial architecture, hypertrophy of the Bowmans capsule, infiltrate of inflammatory cells, loss of tubules and signs of necrosis. The biochemical and histological injuries correlated at short exposure times and low doses but showed divergence at higher doses.