Recently the use of synthetic food coloring additives was increased and the levels of human exposure to such agents are very broad, thus feeding over long periods may continually possess potential hazards to the human health. Also most of the food colors tested in the conventional toxicity experiments showed toxic effects at very high level of intake i.e. 1-5 % in the diet.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological and histochemical effects of some of these substances (Sodium nitrate and sunset yellow) on the liver of adult albino rats. The study included three main parts:
Histological studies on the liver under the effect of (Sodium nitrate and sunset yellow) substances. Using paraffin sections, which were stained with Hx & Eosin, Masson Trichrome
Evaluation of histochemical activity of both alkaline phosphates enzyme and succinic dehydrogenase enzymes on the renal tissue.
Statistical evaluation using image analyzer to detect glomerular area, area percentage of collagen fibers distribution and optical density of both alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity in glomerulus and succinic dehydrogenase enzyme activity in renal tubules. Seventy adult male albino rats were used. Nitrate and sunset yellow were given orally through a gastric tube in dose of 1 mg / kg / b.w. daily. The animals were classified into seven groups.
Group I (Control group)
Group II: The animals were given sodium nitrate in a dose of 1mg/kg/bwt for one
month.
Group III: The animals were given sun set yellow in a dose of 1mg/kg/bwt/day for one
month.
Group IV: The animals were given sodium nitrate and sunset yellow for one month in a
dose of 1mg/kg/bwt/for each drug in a separate manner.
Group V: The animals were given sodium nitrate similar to the previous dose as group
II for one month and left 2 weeks without oral intubations.
Group VI: The animals were given sun set yellow No 6 in a dose and route of
administrations as group III for one month and kept without intubations for 2 weeks.
Group VII: The animals were given both sodium nitrate & sunset yellow by the same dose and route of administration as in group IV for one month and kept without
intubations for 2 weeks.