Biochemical, haematological and histological effects following Escravos crude oil ingestion by Chinchilla rabbits

The negative consequences of crude oil exploration and exploitation on the health status of exposed individuals cannot be over emphasized, regardless of its financial benefits. Besides, consumption of this crude oil by the rural populace living in oil rich regions as traditional medicine for illnesses have raised local and international questions as to its safety. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathological effects related to Escravos crude oil ingestion by Chinchilla rabbits. A total of thirty Chinchilla rabbits of age twelve to fourteen weeks and weighing 1.2 to 1.45 kg was used. Crude oil was orally given at the dose of 15, 20, 25 and 30 mg/kg body weight, corresponding to groups B, C, D and E, respectively for 28 days, while group A was the Control. The result showed a significant increase in the total white blood cell, monocyte, granulolytic leucocyte, platelet counts, C-reactive protein and serum creatinine (p < 0.05). Microscopy of the stained tissue sections showed marked deposition of collagen fibers, glomerulonephritis and atrophic glomeruli among others. There is an agreement between the biochemical, haematological and histological findings. Thus, Escravos crude oil is suggested to have a potential to cause haematoxicity and alter the architecture of the kidney. Key words: Rabbits, creatinine, C-reactive protein, collagen fibers, Escravos crude oil, granulolytic leucocyte, kidney, microscopy, monocytes, platelets.