Biochemical assessment of lead overload and the protective effect of zinc in guinea pigs

The kidney in addition to the excretion of waste, plays a significant role in the regulation of total body homeostasis and is the predominant organ involved in the regulation of extra cellular fluid volume. However nephrotoxic substances inhibit or interfere with the functions of the kidney and cause its destruction. Therefore the biochemical assessment of the effect of lead overload and the possible protective effect of zinc were carried out in guinea pigs. Graded doses of lead (0ppm, 300ppm, 600ppm and 1200ppm) were administered alone or in combination with 800ppm zinc to guinea pigs for a period of 20 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the animals after sacrifice. Urea, creatinine, uric acid, calcium, phosphate and electrolytes were determined by spectrophotometric methods The results of the study show that exposure of guinea pigs to lead significantly increased the concentration of urea, creatinine, uric acid and phosphate respectively compared with control (