Abstract
Hepatotoxicity was targeted in Baluchistan Gerbil (Gerbillus nanus) as a biomonitor of pollution with heavy metals near Al-Asfar lake in Al-Ahsa province, KSA. The study showed as compared to reference animals that polluted gerbil's liver recorded significant increase of lead and copper and significant decrease of zinc contents. In addition to significant decrease in RBC count, hemoglobin content, hematocrit percentage, MCH, MCV and MCHC. Also, significant increase in serum liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) activity was observed. Liver oxidative stress (OS) was evidenced by significant increase in, malondialdehyde level and significant decrease of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. Light and ultra-histopathological results assessed the liver tissue impairment. In conclusion, the present study suggested that lead and copper could be the major heavy metals serving hepatotoxicity in gerbils. This study present Gerbillus nanus as the first bio monitor in native wild mammal in Al-Ahsa.