Histopathological and Biochemical Effects of Inhaled Premium Motor Spirit on the Lungs of Adult Albino Rats

Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as gasoline, is a widely used petrochemical product composed of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons including benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene. The lungs, as the primary organs involved in processing inhaled toxins, are particularly vulnerable to varying degree of damage from PMS exposure. This study aims to fill an important research gap by providing quality histological and biochemical analyses after continuous sub-acute exposure, offering valuable insights into the possible cumulative damage caused by inhaled PMS in an uncontrolled setup. Twenty (20) adult albino rats were divided into four groups (A-D, n=5) of both sex with an average body weight of 160 grams. The experimental animals were kept in modified plastic cages measuring 22x15x22 cm3 with multiple 5mm holes drilled into it to facilitate gaseous exchange exposed to PMS for a period of 30 days (for 3-, 5- and 7-hours exposure/day). A 100ml tin jar with an open lid for PMS was placed in the cages and subsequently, removed after duration of exposure. At the completion of the exposure period, experimental animals were sacrificed by spinal dislocation, with blood samples taken from the retro-orbital plexus and tissue fixed in freshly prepared 10% neutral buffered formalin. Biochemical ANOVA parameters for biochemical analysis; GPX (F=0.801, P=0.523), MDA (F=1.540, P=0.278), SOD (F=3.855, P=0.075), CRP (F=3.184, P=0.146) and TNF-alpha (F=3.42, P=0.07), were all above the 0.05 p-value cut off mark to measure for statistical significance. The photomicrograph results revealed mild to no degenerative changes. Long term study is recommended for further research to help ascertain varied degree of biochemical and histological tolerance to PMS exposure.