Effect of dietary protein on zinc phosphide toxicity in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus).

Adult male and female albino rats (R. norvegicus) were administered rodenticide, zinc phosphide ranging from 4, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25 and 0.125% in the diet containing 10(A), 17(B) and 24%(C) protein. Zinc phosphide induced 100% mortality at 4, 2, 1, 0.5% in diet A; 4 and 2% in diet B; and 4% in diet C. The results reveal influence of dietary protein in modulating the toxicity of zinc phosphide, suggesting that greater caution should be exercised while formulating its baits for effectiveness. The results also suggest that baits having 10% protein are more suitable to carry the rodenticide from view point of acceptability and efficacy towards the target species.

Toxicity of exposed aluminium phosphide.

Poisoning by the partially or fully exposed compound of aluminium phosphide (ALP) is becoming common, Fifty patients with history of ingestion of ALP either in the form of broken tablets or granular powder were included in this study for analysis of systemic effects and outcome. Forty patients (Gr. I) consumed broken or granular form of tablets. Ten patients (Gr. II) consumed only powder form of tablets from an old container. 30 patients in group-I developed mild hypotension (BP 80-90 mm Hg). 4 patients (10%) developed ECG changes and mild metabolic acidosis. One patient died constituting 2.5% mortality rate. The patients of group-II neither developed any systemic effects nor showed any mortality. The aim of the study is to differentiate these cases from patients who consume active, fresh compound where mortality rate will be much higher.

Plasma renin activity in shock due to aluminium phosphide poisoning.

Plasma renin activity (PRA) was estimated in 30 patients with aluminium phosphide (AIP) poisoning (study group) admitted in shock. Ten patients in shock other than due to AIP poisoning (Group II A) and 20 normal healthy subjects (Group II B) served as controls. The PRA was significantly higher in the study group and group II A as compared to normal healthy subjects (p less than 0.001). Significantly higher PRA was found in the study group as compared to Group II A (p less than 0.001). The initial higher PRA continued to rise further in the study group but it started decreasing in Group II A as the duration of shock advanced. Continuation of shock in AIP poisoning was probably due to slow release of toxic PH3 gas, which was detected by positive silver nitrate paper test. The rise in PRA was directly proportional to the dose of pesticide consumed. There was direct relationship of mortality with increased PRA. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors may have a role in combating shock in AIp poisoning.

Conditioned taste aversion in lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis.

The lesser bandicoot rat after ingesting a sublethal dose of 0.025% zinc phosphide, in preferred food millet (Pennisetum typhoides) grains, for 4 days, showed aversion for 5-6 days towards plain millet offered in choice with the less preferred sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) grains. The aversion response to nontoxic bait was stronger (aversion index greater than 0.7) for first 3-4 days in individual and for 1-2 days in paired rats. 100% or more shift in aversion index from pre-treatment to post-treatment periods indicated that the aversive and naive partners of the heterosexual and unisexual female pairs mutually influence the feeding preferences of each other as a result of which they showed aversion for first 2-3 days to the plain food in which poison was given to one of the partner earlier.