Serum biochemical and histopathological changes in liver and kidney in lambs after zinc oxide nanoparticles administration.

Background: Zinc is an essential co-factor for many enzymatic activities and its deficiency may produce clinical signs of parakeratosis, loss and failure of growth of wool and hair in sheep. Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of zinc oxide nano-particles (instead conventional zinc oxide) on serum biochemical factors and histopathological changes in liver and kidney of lambs. Materials and Methods: One group of lamb (4 lambs each group) received zinc oxide nano-particles suspension daily for 25 day. Whole blood sample and serum were collected at the start and the end of study. Activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferas (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (CR) were measured in serum of lambs. Sections of liver and kidney were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and examined by light microscopy. Results: Activity of ALP (p=0.011) was significantly decreased and creatinine level (p=0.002) was significantly increased by zinc oxide nano-particles. Cell swelling, eosinophilic necrosis of hepatocytes, and multifocal interstitial nephritis was observed during histopatological examination. Conclusion: Results of study suggest that zinc oxide nano-particles may be toxic for use in sheep in zinc deficiency status.