Acute Toxicity Studies on Sodium Chloride Administered Intraperitoneally in WistarRats

Abstract

Salt, also known as sodium chloride (NaCl), is about 40% sodium and 60% chloride. It flavors and preserves food. It is also used as a binder and stabilizer. The human body requires a minute amount of sodium to maintain the proper balance of water and minerals, conduct nerve impulses, contract and relax muscles. It is estimated that humans need about 500 mg of sodium daily for these functions. This acute toxicity study was conducted to determine the LD100 and LDS0 of sodium chloride administered intraperitoneally. A total of 34 albino rats weighing between 150- 160 g were used for the study. Ten (10) rats were used for the determination of LD100 of sodium chloride administered intraperitoneally with the following doses as 0.00 g/kg, 1.68 g/kg, 3.33 g/kg, 5.0 g/kg, 6.67 g/kg, 8.33 g/kg, 10.0 g/kg, 13.33 g/kg, 15.0 g/kg and 16.67 g/kg respectively. In the acute toxicity study, 24 rats were divided into six (6) groups of 4 rats each. They were treated intraperitoneally with the following doses 0.00 g/kg, 1.68 g/kg, 3.33 g/kg, 5.0 g/kg, 6.67 g/kg and 8.33 g/kg respectively. We observed that the minimum dose that caused death (LD100) in the rats was 8.33 g/kg for intraperitoneally- treated rats. The LD50 for intraperitoneally treated rats was determined using Karber arithmetic method after LD100 determination. Signs and symptoms of sodium chloride toxicity such as sedation, respiratory distress, pigmentation, coma before death were observed. It was shown that death occurred at group 4, 5 and 6. The LDS0 obtained was found to be 6.04 g/kg. Based on the LD50 obtained, sodium chloride could be classified as practically non-toxic substance according to Matsumura toxicity rating of chemical when administered intraperitoneally.