The effects of copper sulfate on liver histology and biochemical parameters of term Ross broiler chicks

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2010 Mar;133(3):335-41. doi: 10.1007/s12011-009-8447-1. Epub 2009 Jul 14.

Abstract

Copper is an essential trace element that is extremely toxic to organisms and organs at high doses. We have investigated the histological and biochemical effects of a toxic dose of copper sulfate on the liver of term Ross broiler chicks. Fertilized eggs were divided into three groups: experimental, injected with 50 mcg/0.1 ml copper sulfate in the air chambers on day 1; sham, injected with 0.1 ml saline; and control, no injection. Term chicks were killed and their livers investigated histologically, with hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections examined under light microscopy, and biochemically, for malondialdehyde and glutathione levels. Histological examinations showed copper-treated samples with granular degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes and impairment to the cell lining of the remark cords. The samples had a congestive appearance, with blood in the vena centralis and sinusoids, slight connective tissue increase, and lymphocyte infiltration. Control and sham group sections had normal appearances. As oxidative damage parameters, in the copper-treated group, malondialdehyde levels were increased and glutathione levels decreased. In the sham and control groups, there were no significant differences. At this toxic dose, copper sulfate shows oxidative damage according to the histology of term chick liver that are confirmed biochemically by the changes in malondialdehyde and glutathione levels.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Nutrition Sciences
  • Animals
  • Biochemistry / methods
  • Chickens
  • Copper Sulfate / pharmacology*
  • Glutathione / chemistry
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • Malondialdehyde / chemistry
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Oxygen / chemistry
  • Trace Elements / pharmacology

Substances

  • Trace Elements
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Glutathione
  • Copper Sulfate
  • Oxygen