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. 2012 May 14:11:219-25.
eCollection 2012.

Toxicity evaluation of crankcase oil in rats

R O Arise  1 , A C Tella  2 , A A Akintola  1 , S O Akiode  1 , S O Malomo  1
Affiliations

Toxicity evaluation of crankcase oil in rats

R O Arise et al. EXCLI J. .

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of crankcase oil on the cellular and functional integrity of rat skin. Thirty (30) rats were randomly grouped into six viz groups A-F. Group A (base-line control) received 2 ml of distilled water. 2.5 %, 5.0 %, 7.5 %, and 10.0 % v/v of the crankcase oil were prepared using unused oil as solvent and 2 ml of the concentrations were topically administered to groups C-F respectively for seven consecutive days. Group B served as positive control and received 2 ml of the unused oil. The rats were sacrificed 24 hours after the last administration, and blood and part of the skin were collected. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde level in the blood and skin samples collected were evaluated. Elemental analysis of the crankcase oil was also carried out. The result revealed high lead, iron and chromium levels. Blood lead concentration of rats was significantly (P<0.05) high after seven days of administration. ALP level in skin and serum increased significantly (P<0.05) with the concentration of crankcase oil. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in skin ACP activity while it increased significantly (P<0.05) in the serum. Similar results were observed in the SOD levels of the serum and the skin. The level increased significantly (P<0.05) in groups D-F when compared with controls. The MDA concentration of both serum and skin were significantly (P<0.05) elevated. This suggests toxic potential of used lubricating oil and its potential predisposition to cancer.

Keywords: cancer; crankcase oil; malondialdehyde; superoxide dismutase.

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Figures

Table 1
Table 1. Elemental composition of crankcase oil
Table 2
Table 2. Blood lead concentration of rat following the topical administration of crankcase oil for 7 days
Table 3
Table 3. Selected enzyme activities of rat skin following the topical administration of crankcase oil for 7 days
Table 4
Table 4. Selected enzyme activities of rat serum following the topical administration of crankcase oil for 7 days
Table 5
Table 5. Effect of crankcase oil on serum and skin malondialdehyde level of rats following 7 days topical administration
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