Lead (Pb) is a well-recognized environmental pollutant and multisystemic toxin. The present work was designed to study the electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in lead induced cardiotoxicity and their amelioration with antioxidants in Wistar rats. The experiment was conducted on 32 albino Wistar rats of either sex with 6-8 weeks of age having body weight of 180-200 g. These rats were maintained as per the standard CPCSEA guidelines and the study protocol was approved by IAEC, Co.V.Sc. & A.H., Jabalpur. Rats were randomly divided into four groups having 08 rats each. Group I served as control group. Group II rats received lead acetate @ 150 mg/kg b.wt. Group III rats received lead acetate @ 150 mg/kg b.wt. along with curcumin @ 400 mg/kg b.wt. and ascorbic acid @ 420 mg/kg b.wt. Group IV rats received curcumin @ 400 mg/kg b.wt. and ascorbic acid @ 420 mg/kg b.wt. All the rats were administered orally for 30 consecutive days and provided with adlibitum feed and water. Electrocardiography was performed in all the rats on day 30 of experimental period. Electrocardiography of rats from group II revealed significantly elevated heart rate, QRS amplitude, QT interval and significantly reduced PR interval as compared to control group. On simultaneous administration of antioxidants against lead induced cardiotoxicity, significant improvement in these ECG parameters was noticed. Several challenges have arisen during the electrocardiographic observations, including inadequate literature availability, anesthetic maintenance of rats, and ECG calibration. However, these challenges have been addressed with the assistance of veterinary cardiologists from the Department of Veterinary Medicine. Thus, the present study revealed that lead exposure has toxic effects on heart which disturb its functioning, while natural antioxidants (Curcumin and Ascorbic acid) may be preferable in reducing lead induced cardiotoxicity suggesting that chelating agents having antioxidant properties are preferred in treating cardiovascular disorders accompanying lead toxicity.

Lead acetate, Curcumin, Ascorbic acid, Electrocardiography.

In conclusion, the present investigation enunciated that lead acetate induced the significant cardiotoxicity elicited by significant alterations in electrocardiographic parameters of heart. Use of curcumin and ascorbic acid countered the adverse effects of lead induced cardiotoxicity to a major extent suggesting its antioxidant potential. Also, this study suggested that lead chelating agents having antioxidant properties are preferred in treating cardiovascular disorders accompanying lead toxicity.

Karthik I., Dubey A., Swamy M., Tiwari A.,Verma Y., Rakesh S. and Naveen D. (2023). Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Lead Induced Cardiotoxicity and its Amelioration with Antioxidants in Wistar Rats. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8a): 378-382.