Fenthion, an organophosphorus pesticide, induces alterations in oxidant/antioxidant status and histopathological disorders in cerebrum and cerebellum of suckling rats

Abstract

<span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">Fenthion (FEN) is an organophosphorus pesticide known for its wide toxic manifestations. In this study, the effects of FEN were evaluated on the cerebrum and cerebellum oxidant/antioxidant status and histopathological disorders in the suckling rats. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups: control group received pure water, while FEN group received daily by their drinking water 551 ppm of FEN from the 14^th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) <span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">activity was inhibited in both the cerebrum and cerebellum of suckling rats whose mothers were treated with FEN. The cerebrum and cerebellum oxidative damage was demonstrated by a significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein product and glutathione (GSH) levels and disturbance in the antioxidant enzyme activities. A significant decline of non-protein thiol and vitamin C levels was also observed. These changes were confirmed by histopathological observations which were marked by pyknotic neurons in the cerebrum and apoptotic cells in the cerebellum of <span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">FEN-treated rats. In the cerebellum of <span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US" lang="EN-US">FEN-treated rats, the most conspicuous damage was the absence of external granular layer, indicating growth retardation. <span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">These data suggested that exposure of pregnant and lactating rats to <span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">FEN induced oxidative stress and histopathological disorders in the cerebrum and cerebellum of their pups. Thus, the use of <span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">FEN must be under strict control, especially for pregnant and lactating mothers.

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