Electrolytic Evaluation of Nicotine Treated Rats

Abstract

This work assessed the effects of electrolyte in rats treated with nicotine diet. A total of thirty (30) rats weighing 80-190g were randomly assigned into two groups of fifteen (15) each. Group A was fed with normal rat chow and acted as the control group while group B received 0.5ml of concentrated nicotine dissolved in 200ml of distilled water mixed with 100g of animal feed. They were fed for 28 days and had free access to drinking water. The results revealed that Sodium (Na⁺), Potassium (K⁺) and Chloride (Cl^-) were significantly higher (P<0.001) when compared with the control group, while the bio-carbonate (HCO₃^-) was lower. This result is suggestive that nicotine consumption is capable of changing the ionic composition of the body.

Key words: Wistar rat, Nicotine, Electrolytic