Objective:
In present study the effect of the organophosphorus insecticide, profenofos, on the antioxidant enzymes activities and mucosa of stomach was investigated in rats.
Material & Methods:
To evaluate these effects,the biochemical, histological, morphometrical, and histochemical
studies on stomach were done. Animals were divided into three groups 10 animals of each. Control animals (group I)were administered vehicle. Treatment group animals (group II and III) were respectively administered oral doses of
profenofos: 86.8 and 214.4 mg/kg b. wt. daily for 15 days.
Results: The administration of profenofos caused a significant decrease in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD),glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH), and an increase in the lipid peroxidation (LPO) level (p< 0.05). The histopathological findings indicated that profenofos caused different alterations in stomach, including
haemorrhagic areas in the mucosa and submucosa and degenerative changes. The histochemical examination showed noticeable reduction in polysaccharide materials of stomach; the cells of such organ displayed faint stain.
Conclusion:
Generally, profenofos caused extensive biochemical, histological, and histochemical injury. Such effects
were relevant to the amount of dose given.