Effect of arsenic induced toxicity in the prostate gland of swiss albino mice

Arsenic is a ubiquitous metalloid found naturally in underground water in the form of inorganic arsenic. Arsenic exposure has been associated with several diseases including cancer. Arsenic is a potent endocrine disruptor and a carcinogen. In this study, toxic effects of arsenic were examined in vivo in Swiss albino mice as animal model. The mice were selected with body weight of 28±3.0g (mean±standard deviation). Sodium arsenite was administered orally as 2.0 mg/kg body weight /ml for 04 weeks, 06 weeks, 13weeks, 26weeks. Cellular architecture was studied by histopathology. PSA (Prostate specific antigen) and accumulation of arsenic in prostate tissue of male mice was estimated by ELISA and AAS method respectively. Sodium arsenite level was observed to be significantly higher in group II than group I (P-value < 0.005). PSA levels were recorded to be significantly elevated in group II than group I (P-value< 0.028). Significant histopathological changes were also observed in prostate glands of arsenic treated mice. The present finding in mice is very significant for better understanding of endocrine disrupting potential of arsenic.