Daniel C. Ugwuanyi, Hyacienth U. Chiegwu, Sylvester O. I. Ogbu and Uchenna E. Anaekwe
Radiographers and darkroom staff in developing countries engaged in darkroom radiography are often exposed to x-ray film processing chemicals including the developer. The possible effects of the developer have not been investigated to the best of our knowledge. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of x-ray film developer on the kidneys of wistar rats by assessing the alterations in serum urea and serum creatinine levels and the histological features. The study covered a period of 30 days and utilized 18 apparently healthy wistar rats of 16-20 weeks and weighing between 200 and 210g. The rats were randomly divided into three (3) groups-A-C, of 6 rats each. Groups A and B were the experimental groups exposed to varying concentrations of developer solutions for periods ranging from 15-30 days. Group C served as the control group exposed to no developer solution. At each desired period of time, two rats were randomly selected from each group, painlessly sacrificed, the kidneys harvested and blood sample collected and examine/analyzed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi Anambra State. Results showed raised serum urea and creatinine levels which were independent of the concentration of the developer solution in the first 15 days but concentration dependent at longer exposures. Varying histological changes were also observed, including distortion of tissue interstitial architecture, hypertrophy of the Bowman’s capsule, infiltrating cell oedema and signs of necrosis. These changes point to the risks radiology workers face in the discharge of their professional duties.
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