Hepatic and Renal Toxicity of Dichlorvos in Male Domestic Rabbits

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The present study is aimed to assess hepatic and renal toxicity of dichlorvos in male domestic rabbits Materials and Methods: The oral LD50 of dichlorvos in male domestic rabbit was calculated from linear regression and found to be 11.6 mg/kg body weight. A daily dose of 1/10 LD50 of dichlorvos (1.2 mg/kg body weight) were given to the animals under experiment for six weeks. Control animals were given distilled water. Blood samples were collected weekly and analyzed. Results: The overall mortality rate was 6.3% in dichlorvos-treated rabbits compared to no mortalities in controls. Clinical signs included diarrhea, reduced food intake, weakness, disorientation, drowsiness and mild tremors. The growth rate was significantly decreased in dichlorvos-intoxicated rabbits. Serum glucose was significantly increased in response to dichlorvos administration recording a maximum percentage difference of 26.7% in the 4th week of the experiment. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly higher in dichlorvos-fed rabbits compared to controls, registering maximum percentage differences of 29.4% and 38.6%, respectively during the 5th week of the experiment. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (g-GT) were also significantly increased recording maximum percentages of 27.8% and 38.1 in the 4th and 6th weeks of the experiment, respectively. In contrast, serum cholinesterase (ChE) was progressively decreased recording a maximum percentage difference of 72.6% at the end of the experiment. Serum bilirubin was gradually increased to record a maximum percentage difference of 23.3% in the 5th week. Serum urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly elevated in response to dichlorvos intake displaying maximum percentage differences of 35.4% and 29.6% during the 6th and 5th weeks of the experiment, respectively. Serum total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly decreased upon dichlorvos intoxication exhibiting percentage differences of 31.2, 30.2 and 31.4% at 4th week of the experiment. Serum calcium was significantly increased in dichlorvos-treated rabbits with a maximum percentage difference of 24.3% at the 4th week whereas phosphorus was significantly decreased with a maximum percentage difference of 28.6% at the 6th week of the experiment. Conclusions: Dichlorvos caused hepatic and renal toxicity in rabbit through alterations of liver and kidney functions. Key words: Dichlorvos, toxicity, liver, kidney, rabbit.