Effects of Nigerian Qua Iboe Brent crude oil on rat spleen and haematological parameters

This study investigated the consequences of exposure to crude oil on components of the immune system of male rats. A total of 40 male albino rats were used for the experiment. Exposure to crude oil was achieved by oral administration of increasing doses (low, medium and high) of Nigerian Qua Iboe Brent crude oil to the rats every other day for 4 weeks. Haematological parameters, relative weights and histomorphological features of the spleen of rats that received the crude oil were compared to control rats. The results showed that packed cell volume values (P<0.05), erythrocyte counts (P<0.05), absolute neutrophil counts (P<0.01) and absolute monocyte counts (P<0.01) were significantly reduced in crude oil-exposed rats. The total leukocyte counts (P<0.05) and absolute lymphocyte counts (P<0.01) were increased at the low dose of crude oil, but were subsequently reduced with increase in dose of crude oil. Splenic morphology was severely altered in rats that consumed crude oil. These findings suggest that exposure to Nigerian Qua Iboe Brent crude oil adversely affected the immune system of male rats. This implies possible immunosuppression for humans and other species exposed to this environmental pollutant. key words: environmental pollutant, Nigerian Qua Iboe Brent crude oil, haematological parameters, splenic morphology *Contact address: Dr. U. M. Igwebuike, DVM, M.Sc., Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, Phone: +234 803 8726 150; E-mail: [email protected]