A study on arsenic-induced toxicity in rats

P. Hemalatha, A. Gopala Reddy,

Abstract

Arsenic, a naturally occurring metalloid element that is present in food, soil and water [1 and 2], induces adverse health effects on all forms of life through polluting ground water and food chains. Because arsenic targets ubiquitous enzyme reactions, it affects nearly all organ systems in humans and other animals [3]. It is a known carcinogen that has been associated with cancers of the skin, lung, urinary bladder, and possibly liver, kidney and prostate in humans. In view of the significance of adverse effects induced by arsenic, the current research was planned with the objective to evaluate its toxic effects on performance, heart, kidney, lung, stomach, intestine and male reproduction in rats.