ABSTRACT
Malathion is a widely used organaphosphorous agropesticide, which caused serious pollution problems. It has been recently classified among the immunotoxicant chemicals
Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Nigella Sativa oil and Vitamin A in enhancing the antioxidant protective reactions against spleen injuries induced by Malathion in mice
Methods: 30 male mice were equally divided into 6 groups: Group 1 [control group] received 1/2 ml corn oil orally daily, group 2 received Nigella Sativa oil 200 mg/kg b.w. orally daily through gastric gavages for one month, group 3 received Vitamin A 140 IU/kg b.w. orally daily through gastric gavages for one month, group 4 received Malathion 30 mg /kg b.w. orally daily through gastric gavages for one month, group 5 and 6 received Malathion as in group 4 in conjunction with Nigella Sativa oil and Vitamin A respectively. Spleen specimens afall animals were stained by: Haematoxylin and Eosin and Prussian blue stains as well as CD3 and CD20 monoclonal antibodies
Results: Histological examination of the white pulp of the Malathion intoxicated spleen showed depletion of TIymphacytes from periarterial lymphatic sheath as evidenced in H and E sections and by immunohistochemical staining of T I ynzphacytes [CD3]. The immunohistochemical staining of Blymphocytes [CD20] revealed increased reaction. The Prussian blue stain revealed increased activity 0f macrophages. Concomitant administration of Nigella Sativa oil and Vitamin A with Malathion achieved a significant protection against Malathion induced immunataxieity as indicated by preservation of the lynzphaeytic content of the white pulp
Conclusion: Nigella Saliva oil and Vitamin A reduce the incidence of the Malathion-induced oxidative injuries to the spleen which is an important component of the immune system. They are recommended to be used as dietary supplements for popnulatians which are constantly exposed to organophosphorous pesticides