Biochemical and histopathological changes in arsenic-intoxicated rats coexposed to ethanol

The effects of arsenic and ethanol interaction on blood, liver and serum biochemical indices, and arsenic concentration in soft tissues of rats were investigated to determine the influence of these substances in inducing susceptibility to arsenic poisoning. Arsenic, intraperitoneally (100 ppm, once, daily), ethanol in drinking water (13%), or the combination were administered for a period of 6 weeks. Both the chemicals had some additive effects in marginally elevating blood zinc protoporphyrin. Glutathione (GSH) concentrations of blood and liver were reduced by both arsenic and ethanol; however, there was a more pronounced depletion of hepatic GSH concentration in animals coexposed to arsenic and ethanol. Combined arsenic plus ethanol exposure led to significantly more elevated activities of serum transaminases than in animals administered arsenic or ethanol alone. Histopathological alterations in kidneys and liver occurred following arsenic exposure. Arsenic plus ethanol produced more pronounced liver lesions, whereas kidney changes were the same as with arsenic alone. The concentrations of arsenic in kidney and liver were higher in rats exposed to arsenic plus ethanol. The results suggest that animals exposed to arsenic plus ethanol are more vulnerable to arsenic toxicity. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.