Toxicity of Acephate to Liver and Kidney of Female Wistar Rats

Acephate is a broad spectrum insecticide used against pests of vegetables, cotton and ornamental plants. In the present study, acephate was orally administered to female wistar rats to examine its toxic effects, if any, at dose level of 1/50th, 1/25th and 1/10th of LD50 value along with a control group for 45 days. Results revealed a remarkable decrease in the feed intake of 1/10th acephate treated rats during 5th and 6th week of treatment. The net body weights and liver weight decreased non-significantly to a small extent over 45 days of treatment. The weight of kidney and content of total soluble protein decreased significantly in a dose dependent manner in treated rats. The significant alterations in the activity of antioxidative enzymes i.e. glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidation levels were observed. The appearance of comet in 1/10th dosed rats indicated DNA damage. Further, no formation of concentric rings in treated rats indicated the absence or low concentration of antibodies in the serum.