Changes in blood plasma biochemistry of chicken embryos exposed to various pesticide formulations

Wofatox 50 EC (methylparathion 50%), Nevifosz 50 EC (phosmethylan 50%), Kolfugo 25 FW (carbendazim 25%) and Dikamin D (2,4-D 40%) pesticide formulations were used as test material. The incubated chicken eggs were directly exposed to the applied pesticides with injection into the air cell. Blood samples were obtained and some plasma parameters including packed cell volume (PCV), total protein, glucose, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and plasma pseudocholinesterase (PChE) activities were evaluated. Although the mortality rate obtained for the treated and control groups did not differ, there were significant changes in plasma biochemistry in relation to pesticide treatment. The present paper attempts to help those undertaking embryological and teratological studies on avian embryos exposed to pesticides including studies on changes occurring in certain plasma parameters.