Effects of Orally Administered Potassium Dichromate in Reproductive and Non-reproductive Tissues of Female Rats

Effect of oral administration of potassium dichromate at 5 and 10 mg/ kg body weight daily for 30 days was investigated in reproductive organs and liver of adult female rats. The results revealed that in ovary, protein, cholesterol and ascorbic acid were decreased. Similarly in uterus, proteins and lipid levels were significantly declined with an increase in its glycogen levels. However, increased glycogen levels in the liver with a concomitant decline in phosphorylase indicated carbohydrate metabolic defect in these tissues as a result of chromium poisoning. This is further evidenced by a reduction in the activity of succinate dehydrogenase in the liver. Elevation in serum transaminase levels with a reduction in cholesterol also indicated the liver toxicity. Moreover, blood cell counts were also altered. These results clearly revealed the toxicity of potassium dichromate in reproductive organs and liver in female rats which may probably be due to the metal accumulation in these tissues.