EFFECT OF POTASSIUM ADAPTATION ON LIVER FUNCTION

ABSTRACT

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of potassium adaptation on liver functions and blood glucose level in wistar rats. 10 adult wistar rats (weighing between 130g-160g) were purchased and were randomly selected in two groups (n=5); the test group and the control group. During those 5 weeks, the test group was administered potassium chloride(KCl) solution of concentration 0.75% daily while the control group were given normal water. At the end of the 5 weeks, the animals were sacrificed under chloroform anesthesia and blood , liver and pancreas were taken to the laboratory for analysis and histological processing. The results of the experiment showed that there were not any significant changes of liver enzymes and fasting blood glucose level following the 5 week administration of high dose of potassium salt solution. However, there were changes that were observed in the liver tissue as well as in the pancreas, there was significant vasodilation and marked portal congestion. Conclusively, it was established that potassium adaptation has no significant effect in liver enzymes and fasting blood glucose, but increases vasodilation and portal congestion, which allowed for increased blood flow to the liver and pancreas.