ABSTRACT
Dicofol is an organochiorine insecticide. The possible toxic effect of dicofol on the rats adrenal glands and lungs was investigated when it was given daily per oral route at two dose regimens according to LD50 for three different durations [4, 7 and 21 months]. The study was carried out on 72 adult male albino rats. They were divided into 4 main groups. Group I, the negative control group, was I subdivided into three subgroups. Group II was the 4 month duration group, which was subdivided into subgroup ha given dicofol 4.19 mg/kg daily and subgroup IIb given 16.75 mg/kg. The third group was the 7 month duration group, which was also subdivided into subgroup IIIa given the former dose and subgroup IIb given the later dose of dicofol. In the fourth group, the animals were divided into two subgroups, subgroup IVa given the former dose of dicofol for 21 months and subgroup IVb given the later dose of dicofol for the same duration. At the end of each experimental period, the animals were sacrified. Serum Nat K[+] and cortisol levels were investigated. Histopathological examination of the adrenal glands and the lungs was also carried out. The results showed that dicofol had obvious toxic effects on the adrenal glands and lungs. The toxicity was time and dose dependent. Such toxicity was in the form of an increase in the serum levels of Na[+] and K[+] in addition to decrease in serum level of cortisol. Histopathological examination of adrenal glands showed cytoplasmic vaculation in the cells of zone glomerulosa and fasiculata together with capsular thickening and haemorrhage in zona fasiculata and cortical damage. As regards the lung tissues, there were hyperplasia and lymphoid aggregation in the epithelial cells lining of the alveoli, as well as collapse and emphysema in the alveoli. Also, there were cellular infiltration, with foamy cytoplasm and large nuclei. In conclusion, prolonged administration of dicofol to adult male albino rats can affect both adrenals and lungs. Further wide-scaled experimental study is recommended