Biochemical Alterations Induced by Subchronic Chlorpyrifos Exposure in Wistar Rats: Ameliorative Effect of Zinc

Abstract

Studies have shown that oxidative stress is partly involved in the molecular mechanism of chlorpyrifosinduced toxicity. The present study was aimed at evaluating the effect of zinc on alterations in biochemical changes induced by subchronic chlorpyrifos (CPF) exposure in Wistar rats. Forty adult Wistar rats of either sex used for the study were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each. Group 1 was administered soya oil (2 ml/kg) while group II was given zinc gluconate (50 mg/kg). Rats in group III were administered chlorpyrifos (10.6 mg/kg~ 1/8th LD₅₀) only while those in group IV were pretreated with zinc gluconate (50 mg/kg) and then administerd with CPF (10.6 mg/kg), 30 min later. The regimens were administered orally via gavage for 8 weeks. The rats were evaluated for toxic signs, weekly body weight changes and death. The sera obtained from blood samples were analysed for the levels of electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻), total proteins, albumin, globulin, glucose, urea, alanine aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase and malonaldehyde (MDA). The liver was also examined for MDA concentration. The result showed that CPF caused alterations of these biochemical parameters, which were ameliorated by pretreatment with zinc. [Suleiman Folorunsho Ambali, Ahmad Tijanni Abubakar, Mohammed Umoru Kawu, Chidiebere Uchendu, Muftau Shittu, and Suleiman Olawoye Salami. Biochemical Alterations Induced by Subchronic Chlorpyrifos Exposure in Wistar Rats: Ameliorative Effect of Zinc.