RED CELL INTEGRITY IN HEAT EXPOSED WISTAR RATS

ABSTRACT

Climate changes impact the economic viability of human activities and production systems through a variety of routes. Therefore, at higher blood plasma temperatures, the hemoglobin becomes less likely to bind to oxygen and much more likely to unload into the cells of the tissue ultimately leading to heat stroke, hypercapnia and sometimes anemia. This study investigated the effect of heat exposure on the integrity of red cell in 30 adult Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A (Control group) while Group B and C exposed to heat for 14 and 28 days (37 – 40 + 0.5 °C) respectively. Blood samples were collected at the end of each experimental period for the analysis of Red Blood Cell indices such as Haemoglobin (HB), Haematocrit (HCT), Mean cell volume (MCV) and Mean cell Haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) as well as acetylcholine esterase activity (AchE). Red cell indices except MCHC showed significant decreases on the 14^th day in their mean values as well as ACHe (P<0.05, respectively) while there were significant increases in all the parameters except AchE on the 28^th day of the study compared with controls. Conclusively, prolonged heat exposure could alter red cell indices and depreciate the membrane integrity as shown by reduced activity of AchE. However, adaptation seems to offer an immediate physiological advantage. The effect of chronic exposure is suggested for further studies to fully understand the cumulative consequences of heat on red cell membrane integrity.