*Corresponding author: fsciwyth@ku.ac.th

This study investigated the relationship between heavy metal accumulation and its impact on oxidative stress and histopathological alterations in bantam chickens (Gallus domesticus). The research focused on evaluating the extent of bioaccumulation and the associated oxidative and structural changes in critical organs, including the brain, liver, and gonads, to better understand the implications for animal health and physiological well-being. Thirty bantam chickens were collected from Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand. Brain, liver, and gonad tissues were dissected and used for the heavy metal analysis of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb), oxidative status, and histopathology. Results indicated that the accumulation of heavy metals, including Cd and Co, was highest in the liver compared to the brain and gonads of bantam chickens. Tissue metal accumulation levels, such as Cd, Co, As, and Pb, did not exceed the recommended level, while all tissues exhibited similarly high and excessive levels of Cr accumulation. Evaluation of tissue oxidative status indicated that both lipid peroxidation (LPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were higher in the brain than in the gonad and liver tissues, implying that the brain exhibited more stress than the gonad and liver, which indicated tissue-specific profiles of oxidative status in response to specific metal accumulation. Histological assessments indicated normal histology of brain neurons, i.e., cerebrum, midbrain, cerebellar Purkinje, granular and deep nuclei, and regular white matter, i.e., the optic tract and cerebellar mossy fiber. Normal histology was also represented in the liver tissue and gonads of the bantam chickens. Elevated levels of Cr in the brain exhibit a negative correlation with neuronal density and may adversely affect function.

To Cite This Article: Tanhan P, Imsilp K, Lansubsakul N and Thong-asa W 2025. Evaluation of heavy metal accumulation, oxidative status, and histopathological changes in brain, liver, and gonad tissues of bantam chicken (gallus domesticus) from kui buri district, prachuap khiri khan province, thailand. Pak Vet J, 45(2): 618-628. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.189