In vivo effects of acute administration of potassium tetranitrodiammine cobaltate(III) on rat erythrocytes

Potassium tetranitrodiammine cobaltate(III) K[Co(NH3)2(NO2)4] is a coordination complex having Co(III) as the central atom. Cobalt(III) compounds are being advocated for their anticarcinogenic potential. In the present study, we have for the first time evaluated this compound for its toxicity to rat RBC. The parameters studied include the effects of potassium tetranitrodiammine cobaltate(III) on GSH, GST, catalase, G6PD, acid phosphatase, GOT, and GPT. Scanning electron microscopy of RBCs of potassium tetranitrodiammine cobaltate(III) treated rats has also been carried out for evaluating its influence on the red cell morphology. The data showed that potassium tetranitrodiammine cobaltate(III) treatment causes marked biochemical changes in the rat RBCs along with changes in their shapes characterized by the formation of acanthocytes. The results thus suggest that acute administration of potassium tetranitrodiammine cobaltate(III) is potentially toxic to rat RBCs.