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Updated: May 10, 2026
Transthoracic Echocardiographic Examination in the Rabbit Model
Published on: June 1, 2019
Cardiotoxicity and apoptotic activity in subacute endosulfan toxicity and the protective effect of vitamin C in
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Istiklal Yerleskesi, Burdur, Turkey. ozlemozmen@mehmetakif.edu.tr
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is one of the most significant causes of mortality in humans and animals, and its etiology is usually unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardiac pathology of endosulfan toxicity and the protective effect of vitamin C in rabbits. Twenty-four rabbits were divided into 4 groups: (1) the END group was given a daily sublethal dose of endosulfan in corn oil by oral gavage for 6 weeks; (2) the END + C group received the endosulfan as well as vitamin C over the same 6-week period; (3) the OIL + C group received corn oil daily and vitamin C every other day; and (4) the OIL group received only corn oil daily. We observed microscopic hemorrhages, single-cell necrosis, inflammatory reactions, and fibrotic changes in the myocardium in the END group. Small hemorrhages and single-cell necrosis also were seen in some hearts in the END + C group, but no inflammation was observed. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity was more significant in myocardial cells in the END group compared with the others. A protective effect of vitamin C on lesions was observed in the END + C group. These results showed that endosulfan resulted in toxic changes in the hearts of rabbits, but this toxicity could be decreased with vitamin C treatment.
Insights
Endosulfan exposure caused toxic cardiac changes in rabbits, including necrosis and inflammation. Vitamin C administration demonstrated a protective effect, significantly reducing these endosulfan-induced heart lesions.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in both humans and animals.
- The specific causes of cardiovascular disease are often unknown.
- Pesticide toxicity is an emerging concern for animal and human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiac pathology induced by endosulfan toxicity.
- To evaluate the protective effects of vitamin C against endosulfan-induced cardiac damage.
Main Methods:
- A 6-week oral gavage study involving 24 rabbits divided into four groups.
- Groups included endosulfan exposure, endosulfan plus vitamin C, corn oil plus vitamin C, and corn oil only.
- Histopathological examination and caspase-3 immunoreactivity assessment of myocardial tissues.
Main Results:
- Endosulfan exposure led to myocardial lesions, including hemorrhages, necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.
- Vitamin C treatment in conjunction with endosulfan reduced the incidence of hemorrhages and necrosis, and eliminated inflammation.
- Caspase-3 immunoreactivity was significantly higher in the endosulfan-only group, indicating apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Endosulfan induces significant toxic cardiac pathology in rabbits.
- Vitamin C exhibits a protective effect against endosulfan-induced cardiotoxicity.
- Further research into pesticide toxicity and nutritional interventions is warranted.
