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Effect of malathion and methyl-parathion on rat liver enzymes
A Jabbar1, S A Khawaja, A Iqbal
1Entomological Research Labs., National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad.
Abstract:
The effect of sub-lethal doses of Malathion and Methyl-parathion was studied on the rat liver enzymes. Intravenous administration of both insecticides at weekly interval for four weeks resulted in increase in heart and spleen weight. Short term (24 hr.) and long term (4 weeks) treatment with insecticides resulted in increased specific activities of liver enzymes, Acid phosphatase, Alkaline phosphatase, Glutamate dehydrogenase, Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and Glutamate pyruvate transaminase. The increase in enzyme activity was not as profound when the insecticide administration was spread over 4 weeks. Malathion had greater effect than Methyl-parathion on the biochemical parameters studied.
Insights
Sub-lethal doses of Malathion and Methyl-parathion insecticides increased rat liver enzyme activity and organ weights. Malathion showed a more significant impact on biochemical parameters than Methyl-parathion.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Organophosphate pesticides like Malathion and Methyl-parathion are widely used, posing potential risks to non-target organisms.
- Understanding the sub-lethal effects of these insecticides on mammalian liver enzymes is crucial for assessing health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sub-lethal doses of Malathion and Methyl-parathion on rat liver enzyme activities.
- To compare the toxicological effects of Malathion versus Methyl-parathion on specific biochemical parameters.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered intravenous injections of Malathion and Methyl-parathion weekly for four weeks.
- Specific activities of liver enzymes including Acid phosphatase, Alkaline phosphatase, Glutamate dehydrogenase, Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, and Glutamate pyruvate transaminase were measured.
- Heart and spleen weights were recorded to assess organ changes.
Main Results:
- Both insecticides significantly increased the specific activities of measured liver enzymes after short-term (24 hr) and long-term (4 weeks) exposure.
- Increased heart and spleen weights were observed following weekly insecticide administration.
- The elevation in enzyme activity was less pronounced when insecticide administration was spread over four weeks compared to shorter durations.
- Malathion exhibited a more pronounced effect on the studied biochemical parameters than Methyl-parathion.
Conclusions:
- Sub-lethal exposure to Malathion and Methyl-parathion induces significant alterations in rat liver enzyme profiles and organ weights.
- Malathion demonstrates greater hepatotoxicity compared to Methyl-parathion at the tested sub-lethal doses.
- Chronic, intermittent exposure may lead to adaptive responses, mitigating the profoundness of enzyme activity increases.