Cytotoxic Effects Of Calcium Carbide On Swiss Albino Mice

ABSTRACT: Calcium carbide contains traces of hazardous arsenic and phosphorous. Once dissolved in water, the carbide produces acetylene gas that quickens the ripening process, hence is used for ripening fruits. After ingestion acetylene produces free radicals which initiate detrimental effects on various organs of human body. The aim of the study was to investigate the architectural changes of vital organs in calcium carbide induced Swiss Albino mice and measure the adverse effects of calcium carbide in mice tissues. Twenty-Four (24) mice of 7 days old were bought from the Animal Resource Center, ICDDRB. Mice at 60 days old was randomly used for the experiment and they were divided into four groups: each group consisted of six mice namely group-1 (G1), group-II (G2), group- III (G3) and group-IV (G4), respectively. A concentration of 3g, 8g and 12g/kg body weight of calcium carbide was administered orally once daily for 45 days in each group. Group-I (control group) was supplied with normal foods an ad libitum water. On day 45 following administration of calcium carbide in different important organs (stomach, liver, heart, kidney) were collected from the mice of both control and treated groups to investigate the effect of calcium carbide. The weight of the liver was decreased non-significantly in groups 2 and 3, and increased non-significantly in group G3T2 (2.00±0.1544). The weight of the heart was increased non-significantly (p>0.05) in group G3T2 and G4T3 but decreased in other groups. Histopathological studies were done in different organs and revealed different microscopic lesions. Kidney showed thickening of the lining of the collecting tubules with change in cell structure and also some glomerulus structure in raptured condition. For many years ethylene has been used as a fruit ripening agent. Recently calcium carbide is getting popular in this regard as it has a faster ripening property. It was concluded that the appropriate recommended dose of calcium carbide for ripening fruits has no significant health hazards effect. 

Keywords: Cytotoxic effects, calcium carbide, albino mice