The effect of malathion dust on certain tissues of male rats fed varying levels of dietary protein.

The effect of malathion, an organophosphorus insecticide on tissue levels of acetylcholinesterase (Ache), phosphomonoesterases and transaminases have been studied in presence of different levels of dietary proteins. Adult male albino rats weighing 150-200 gms were given 5%, 10% and 20% protein diets containing 400 mg malathion (dust) 5% conc./kg feed for 30 days. Its effect was evaluated in liver, kidney, brain, lungs and spleen and results were compared with their respective malathion dust, pair-fed animals (5%, 10% and 20% protein groups without malathion). Animals kept on low protein diets (5% and 10%) when exposed to malathion dust showed significant increase in the activities of GOT and alkaline phosphatase in liver, kidney, brain, lungs and spleen, while a marked inhibition in the activity of Ache was observed under similar treatment. GPT was decreased in kidney and lungs, in the low protein groups (5% and 10%, whereas its activity was increased in liver, brain and spleen of animals receiving 5% protein, when exposed to compared to their respective pair-fed animals. Thus, although the degree of alteration in the enzyme profile is less severe, these changes show that high protein diet has a protective role against pesticide hazards, whereas low protein diet provides less stability to the structural integrity of the tissues.

Effect of different dietary carbohydrates on some hepatic dehydrogenases and total lipid during starvation and refeeding regimen.

Lipogenic capacity of various dietary carbohydrates starch, glucose sucrose and lactose was tested during ad lib feeding and starvation followed by refeeding. Sucrose was found to have maximal effect on hepatic total lipid and the enzymes in the study followed by glucose and sago while lactose was found to be toxic. Starvation resulted depression in the activities of various enzymes. The enzyme activity inducing effect was again exhibited by sucrose diet during ad lib and restricted refeeding followed by starvation.