THE EFFECT OF X-RAY ON THE CONCENTRATION OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM IONS IN THE AQUEOUS HUMOUR OF BOVINE, CAPRINE AND PORCINE EYES POST MORTEM.

ABSTRACT

With the increasing use of radiation (particularly x-ray, in medicine and industry) and with the advent of increasing background radiation in both developed and undeveloped nations, there is increased risk of exposure by individuals leading to damage of tissue and associated health risks. The purpose of this study is to inquire into the effect of x-rays on the concentration of sodium and potassium ions in the aqueous humour of cow, goat and pig eyes. The reason for this choice selection of animals was due to their substantial aqueous humour volume, their similarity with human anatomy and their distinct rearing environments of these animals. In this study, carefully enucleated bovine eyes were obtained from certified cows freshly slaughtered in government abattoir at Ikpoba Slope, Benin City, Edo state. Carefully enucleated caprine eyes were obtained from certified goats freshly slaughtered at Animal Market along Siluko road, Benin City, Edo state. Carefully enucleated porcine eyes were obtained from certified pigs freshly slaughtered in Animal Market along Siluko road, Benin City, Edo state. The eyes were transferred to the Health Center Radiology Department, University of Benin, where they were irradiated with X-rays machine. After irradiation, the aqueous humour samples were collected. The aqueous humour samples were then transferred to Plant Biology and Biotechnology department in the University of Benin, where the sodium and potassium ion concentrations in the samples were determined using E110111 flame Photometer. Statistical analysis showed no significant effect of different doses of x-ray on the ionic concentration of sodium and potassium in the aqueous humour of bovine, caprine and porcine eyes. There was also no significant difference on the effect of different doses x-ray across the three groups of specimens.