Alterations in some hepatic biochemical variables following repeated gallium arsenide administration in rats

Gallium arsenide (GaAs), an intermetallic compound with superior semi-conductor properties, is finding extensive application in the electronic industry. Exposure to airborne particles in the GaAs industry may pose potential health hazards to workers. However, very little information is available so far regarding the possible toxic effects of this compound. The present study was planned to investigate the dose-dependent influence of repeated gallium arsenide (GaAs) administration (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg, orally through gastric intubation, 5 days a week for 3 weeks) on some biochemical indices in blood and hepatic tissues. The results indicate a significant dose-dependent inhibition of blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, glutathione and an elevation in zinc protoporphyrin level. Blood haemoglobin level decreased only at the two higher dose levels. The effects of GaAs administration on hepatic biochemical variables indicates only moderate adverse effects on serum glutamic oxaloacetic (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) following exposure at the highest dose (200 mg/kg). GaAs exposure also lead to a significant inhibition of hepatic ALAD activity, an elevation in MDA formation and alkaline phosphatase activity. Most of the above alterations occurred at the 200 mg/kg dose. Dose-dependent increases in blood and hepatic arsenic concentration were also noticed. The results confirm our earlier observation that GaAs had a marked influence on the haematopoietic system while it has only moderate effect on the hepatic organ.