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ABSTRACT
In recent times, there has been a rise in the use of calcium carbide (CaC2) as a fruit ripening agent especially in developing countries. This is due to its easy availability, low cost and convenience of usage, hence the possible hazardous effect on health has been a matter of interest. Platelets are important in primary hemostasis as they adhere, spread and aggregate at the sight of vessel injury. The aim of the work was to determine the effect of calcium carbide on platelets function in Wistar rats. A total of 70 male Wistar rats with an average body weight of 160g were used in the study. They were grouped into a control group and three experimental groups comprising lose dose (0.96mg/kg BW), medium dose (1.92mg/kg BW), and high dose (2.88mg/kg BW), groups. The duration of administration was 6 weeks: Two weeks of acclimatization and 4 weeks of administration. At the end of administration, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture and analyzed for platelet function using Mythic 18 Haematology Automated Analyser. Data obtained was analyzed using graph pad prism version 8.1. Anova was used to compare the means. A p value of P<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results of the analysis were presented in tables and charts where applicable. Results obtained from this research demonstrated a clear pattern of calcium carbide induced interference with platelets function. There were indications that thrombopoiesis at the bone marrow level may be compromised. Ingestion of CaC2 induced alterations in platelet function of Wistar rats.
