Sodium nitrite-induced hematological and hemorheological changes in rats

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of acute sodium nitrite (NaNO2) treatment on the hematological and hemorheological parameters in rats. Mature rats were subjected to NaNO2 exposure by a single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg body weight. The animals were sacrificed 1h, 5h, 24h, 48h and 5, 10, 20 days following the administration. Hematological and hemorheological parameters were measured. Preliminary results showed significantly reduced red blood cell count (RBC), while mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly increased one and five hours after NaNO2 administration compared to controls. MCHC remained significant until day 20 after treatment. According to the rheological studies plasma viscosity (PV) was the highest in the controls indicating possible biochemical changes in the treated samples. The highest whole blood viscosity (WBV) was measured 10 days after injection which corresponds to the increased RBC count. Acute treatment with NaNO2 induces significant hematological and rheological changes therefore monitoring of these parameters is necessary when exposed to high doses or prolonged treatment with the compound.