Histological study of the acute effects of colloidal silver in organs of Wistar rats

Resumo

Aim: to detect possible alterations in Wistar rats’ (Rattus norvegicus) organs after oral administration of colloidal silver for subsequent histological analysis. Methodology: This experimental study with quantitative and qualitative approach consisted of 24 non-isogenic, nulliparous rats, with body mass between 190-260 grams, randomly divided into two groups, control and experiment. The rats received daily doses of 10 mL/kg of colloidal silver. Results: In the control group, no organic alterations were detected. The experimental group, however, presented kidney and liver alterations after the 14^th and between the 7^th and 14^th day of exposure, respectively. Discussion: The histopathological analysis of the kidneys of these animals showed that all twelve treated with colloidal silver showed nephritis, congestion, cloudy swelling, and thickening of glomerular loops. Hepatic lesions were congestion and cloudy swelling, and increased and vacuolated nucleus. Conclusion: The findings indicated potential toxicity of colloidal silver to the kidneys and liver of Wistar rats.