Studies on the protective effects of ascorbic acid in rubidium toxicity

Abstract

Studies have been carried out on the effects of subacute rubidium chloride toxicity in rats in relation to L-ascorbic acid metabolism and certain enzymes of liver, kidney, and brain tissues as well as hepatic lipid composition. Rubidium-treated (ip) rats showed drastic decrease in growth along with a severe anemic condition which could not be reversed by oral L-ascorbic acid supplementation. Rudidium toxicity markedly disturbed the normal histological pattern of both liver and kidney cells and also significantly changed the hepatic lipid composition. Brain tissue was found to be affected severely as showed by certain enzyme activity alterations. L-Ascorbic acid supplementation to the treated group of animals could afford some protection against the alterations of certain liver enzymes as well as in regard to the histological changes of either liver and kidney as caused by rubidium toxicity.