Related Experiment Videos
Toxicity of mixtures of parathion, toxaphene and/or 2,4-D in mice
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences/Toxicology, North Dakota State University College of Pharmacy, Fargo 58105.
Abstract:
The toxicity of the mixtures of parathion (PA), toxaphene (TOX) and/or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was studied in ICR male mice (21-24 g) by oral intubation, in corn oil, daily for up to 14 days. On Day 15, the exposure was discontinued, and animals were monitored for an additional period of 7 days for the possible reversibility of the toxicity. The body weight gain decreased with the mixtures, as well as with the individual agricultural chemicals (ACs), during the 14-day period. The cholinesterase (ChE) activity in the serum and brain was inhibited in the animals of the groups of PA (1-10 mg kg-1) and PA (5 mg kg-1)-containing mixtures. TOX (50-200 mg kg-1) caused initial inhibitory effects of 20-65% on the serum ChE (Day 1) before producing increases of 53-64% in the enzyme activity by Day 15, with little effects on the brain ChE levels. 2,4-D (50-200 mg kg-1) resulted in significantly elevated levels of the serum ChE, with substantial decreased in the brain ChE activity. The serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase level was up (38-630%) in TOX (50 mg kg-1), 2,4-D (50 mg kg-1) or their mixture group. No pathological changes at the light microscopic level in the brain and liver were noticed. TOX and TOX-containing mixtures significantly increased the liver/body weight ratio and decreased the pentobarbital (60 mg kg-1, i.p., in saline)-induced sleep.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Insights
Mixtures of parathion, toxaphene, and 2,4-D reduced weight gain in mice. Parathion inhibited cholinesterase, while toxaphene and 2,4-D showed varied effects on enzyme activity and liver health.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Agricultural chemicals (ACs) like parathion (PA), toxaphene (TOX), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) are widely used.
- Understanding the toxicity of individual ACs and their mixtures is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicity of PA, TOX, and 2,4-D, individually and in mixtures, in ICR male mice.
- To assess the effects on body weight, cholinesterase (ChE) activity, liver enzymes, and histopathology.
Main Methods:
- Male ICR mice were administered PA, TOX, and/or 2,4-D via oral intubation daily for 14 days.
- Animals were monitored for body weight changes, ChE activity (serum and brain), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and liver/body weight ratio.
- Histopathological examination of brain and liver tissues was performed. Pentobarbital-induced sleep was also assessed.
Main Results:
- Body weight gain was reduced by individual ACs and their mixtures.
- Parathion significantly inhibited serum and brain ChE activity.
- Toxaphene initially inhibited serum ChE but later increased its activity, with minimal brain ChE effects. 2,4-D increased serum ChE but decreased brain ChE.
- SGPT levels increased in TOX, 2,4-D, and mixture groups. TOX and mixtures increased liver/body weight ratio and reduced pentobarbital-induced sleep time.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the differential toxicological effects of PA, TOX, and 2,4-D on mice.
- Mixtures exhibited complex interactions, affecting body weight, enzyme activities, and physiological responses.
- No significant pathological changes were observed at the light microscopic level, suggesting sub-acute toxicity profiles.