Hematological changes produced by lindane (gamma-HCH) in six species of birds

Hematological changes were studied after oral administration of lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane) at 5 mg/kg body weight twice in 1 week in 6 species of agriculturally important birds: house sparrow, baya weaver bird, common myna, rose-ringed parakeet, blue rock pigeon and domestic duck. Lindane induced anemia in the birds as judged by reduced RBC count, hematocrit and hemoglobin content with corresponding changes in MCV, MCH and MCHC. Bleeding and clotting time were markedly prolonged. Splenic cell counts were decreased with marginal increase of splenic weight in most of the lindane fed birds. Total leucocyte counts were increased while the differential counts of WBC show marked heterophilia and eosinophilia with a decrease in monocyte, lymphocyte and basophil numbers. Domestic duck appears to be somewhat resistant compared to the wild birds studied. Besides anemia the results suggest both immunosuppression and stress effects and indicate that early hematological changes induced by lindane may serve as an initial warning for pesticide toxicity.