From cell to organ: Exploring the toxicological correlation of organophosphorus compounds in living system

Malathion is an organophosphate compound widely used as an insecticide in the agriculture sector and is toxic to humans and other mammals. Although several studies have been conducted at different levels in different animal models. But there is no work has been conducted on the toxicological correlation from cellular to behavioral level in surviving species model. Addressing this gap through further research is essential for a comprehensive understanding of malathion's impact on biological systems, facilitating better risk assessment and management strategies. Current research systemically evaluated the effects of malathion on the central nervous system and peripheral immune cells using immunological techniques in the BALB/c mice models. For this, animals were placed inside an inhalation chamber containing malathion (dose of 89.5 mg/ml/m³) for a specific exposure time. The group exposed for 6 minutes has shown a significant change in plasma-neurotransmitter (serotonin, dopamine) levels and decreased expression of Tyrosine hydroxylase in striatum and SNPC region of brain. The depolarized mitochondria and increased level of cleaved caspase-3 level and mature neurons in DG, CA1 and CA3 were also observed in the brain. Peripheral blood analysis illustrated a decrease in total leukocyte count and an increased level of early apoptosis at the same time point. From neurobehavioral results a significant locomotor hyperactivity, restlessness, and risk-taking behavior was observed. Taken together, results from the current study indicate that exposure to malathion at prolonged time durations induces neuronal and immune cell toxicity, and its toxicity may be mediated via changes in neurotransmitter levels and metabolite concentrations.