Evaluation of Lead Administration and Restraint Stress on Cardiac Function in Male Wistar Rats

Lead acetate is a white crystalline compound of lead with a sweetish taste. It is water soluble and one of the most bioavailable forms of lead. Studies have shown that chronic exposure of lead acetate has a deleterious effect on various systems of the body. Stress is a physiological and psychological response to perceived threats or challenges known as stressor. The heart is a vital organ that functions as the central pump of the cardiovascular system circulating blood throughout the body to deliver oxygen abd nutrients to tissues and organs while removing metabolic waste products. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic lead administration and restraint stress on cardiac function in male wistar rats. Twenty four male wistar rats were randomly divided into four (4) groups with six rats in each group; (i) Control (CTL) (ii) Lead alone (LDA) (iii) Restraint Stress (RSA) (iv) Restraint Stress + Lead (LRS). The experimental group were inoculated orally with lead acetate (100mg/kg) and subjected to restraint stress using wire guaze for one (1) hour daily for 21 days. Thereafter, electrocardiography, arterial blood pressure measurement, biochemical assays abd historical examination of all rats were conducted. Result showed that chronic stress and lead acetate administration for 21 days each independently increased the aterial blood pressure, ventricular contractility as indicated by their electrocardiogram significantly (p