ABSTRACT
Immunotoxicity is defined as adverse effects on the functioning of the immune system that results from exposure to chemical substances. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate immunomodulating effect of Morus alba (500mg/kg B.w.) against immunotoxicity induced by sub-acute exposure of Fipronil (10mg/kg B.w.) in rats. Sub-acute immunotoxicity was conducted in adult male wistar rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups (6 rats/group). Group I served as control in which corn oil (acting as a vehicle of Fipronil) was administered @10 ml/kg B.w. Group II served as Fipronil treated group @10 mg/kg B.w. In Group III Fipronil along with Morus alba fruits extract @ 300 mg/kg B.w. was administered and in Group IV Morus alba fruits extract @ 300 mg/kg B.w. was administered. Vehicle, Fipronil and Morus alba were administered daily to the rats by oral gavage for 28 days. The dose of fipronil was selected on the basis of LD50 in rats. TLC, DLC, serum total protein, albumin, globulin, A:G ratio, serum antibody titer/haemagglutination (HA) titer and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response were estimated. Fipronil produced immunotoxicity in the form of alteration from normal values in these parameters. Morus alba was significantly effective in restoration of these parameters towards normal. The study suggested that Morus alba has immunomodulating potential against toxicity induced by fipronil in rats.