Apoptotic and Structural Changes in Lungs Tissues of Toluene Induced Respiratory Injury in Wistar Rats

Abstract

To investigate the impact of toluene exposure on the functional-morphology of the pulmonary tissues, 35 Wistar rats were acquired. The study was divided into three (3) groups: A, B, and C, with three (3) phases: acute (7 days), subchronic (14 days), and chronic (21 days). Group A was used as a control group, and they were given rat food and tap water ad libitum. Group B was given 200ml of toluene and observed for seven days, fourteen days, and twenty-one days. Group C was given 400ml of toluene and was kept under observation for seven days, fourteen days, and twenty-one days. The animals were euthanized after three weeks of exposure, with each exposure lasting 60 minutes each day. Finally, the lungs of each group were removed for histological examination. The study animals' mean body weights reduced significantly (P<0.05) when compared to the control group, according to the findings. In contrast to group A, histopathological evaluation of all treatment groups indicated pulmonary tissue inflammation and necrosis in groups B and C. Finally, the findings of this investigation revealed that toluene exposure can affect Wistar rats' lung functioning and morphology.