LEUKOCYTE AND THROMBOCYTE DETERIORATING EFFECT OF CALCIUM CARBIDE EXPOSED FRUIT ON RATS

This study is aimed at investigating the effect of calcium carbide (CaC2) exposed fruit on Leukocyte and thrombocyte in rats. In this study banana fruits were exposed to different concentration (5g/kg, 15g/kg & 25g/kg) of calcium carbide in order to induce ripening. 25 Wistar rats weighing approximately 200g were divided into five (5) groups: Group 1 was given 2ml of distilled H2O; Group 2 was given 2ml of banana not exposed to calcium carbide, Group 3, 4. and 5 were given 2ml of banana fruit exposed to (5g/kg, 15g/kg and 25g/kg) of CaC2 respectively. The fruit administrations were done by oral for 28days. Blood samples were collected from the animals for laboratory assays of leukocyte count, leukocyte differential count and thrombocyte count. Results showed significant dose dependent decrease in leukocyte count (Figure 1); it also showed significant decrease in leukocyte differential count (Table 1) and thrombocyte count (Figure 2) when compared to Group 1 and Group 2, P<0.05. Conclusively, this study suggests that Calcium Carbide (CaC2) exposed fruit (banana) has deteriorating effect on leukocyte and thrombocyte in rats, which may in turn compromise the immune system.