Selected hematological parameters and oxidative stress in red blood cells (RBCs) after accidental cases of nitrate toxicity in the goat fed cabbage

ABSTRACT Nitrate poisoning due to the consumption of cabbages was diagnosed in a small goat flock, in Qena city, Egypt. The methylene blue 1% antidote (1 mg/kg BW) was given intravenously to the poisoned goats. Nitrate poisoning was confirmed in blood plasma, saliva, urine, and cabbage dry matter samples. The dark brown blood and methemoglobin fraction were 47.25 ± 0.58%. Green cabbage containing 7.1% nitrate on dried materials was fed to the goats. The nitrate concentration in the saliva was (59.50 ± 4.67), compared to the healthy goats reared in the same area and tested positive in the plasma and urine of intoxicated goats. Intoxication induced a significant decline in the Red Blood Cells count, hemoglobin concentration, and HCT % (P < 0.001), while the WBC count (P < 0.001), neutrophils (P < 0.001), and monocyte percentage were elevated (P < 0.002) in intoxicated goats, while the lymphocyte % (P < 0.01) significantly decreased when compared to the control. For the oxidative stress in the red blood cells, nitrate toxicity caused a significant elevation in the concentration of Malondialdehyde, (P < 0.001) while Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione, and Glutathione S-Transferase levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) compared to the control. In this current report, the ingestion of goat to cabbage containing a high level of nitrate exhibited nitrate-nitrite intoxication.