On the mechanism of acute toxicity of phosmet

Rats were given single oral doses of phosmet (LD50 or 3/4 LD50). Changes of hematological parameters were studied in several time intervals; the main interest was paid to disturbances in blood clotting. Both light and electron microscopy were used to evaluate histopathological changes in selected organs (liver, lungs, spleen, stomach). Marked changes could be observed in all blood clotting parameters studied, other findings were not standard. The pathological picture was dominated by endothelial damage to the blood vessels and findings of thrombocytic clots in microcirculation of all organs examined. Together with hemocoagulation changes, they could be considered as reflecting the compensated stage of diffuse intravascular coagulopathy. In addition, damaged alveolar endothelium and interstitial edema could be observed in the lungs together with hepatic steatosis, damaged proximal renal tubuli, release of cellular elements from the splenic pulp and decomposition of megakaryocytes as well as serious exfoliation of the superficial layers of the gastric mucosa. The pathohistological alterations coincided with changes in organ weights.