Interactive effects of imidacloprid, profenofos and carbosulfan at low concentrations on homeostasis and haematological indices in male albino rats

Toxicity data with single pesticides to test animals are far more abundant than with mixtures [Flipo et al., 1992]. Consequently, these data cannot be used directly to predict the effect of pesticide combinations. Three pesticides; imidacloprid, profenofos and carbosulfan, administered to rats per OS at low level dose equal 1/30 LD50 for each insecticide, which represent 111, 70 and 43 ppm, respectively on homeostasis status and haematological indices [El-Kashory and El-Said, 2001], were selected to explore their combined action of subchronic exposure studies for 90 days in adult male albino rats. Homeostasis-related parameters such as; aldosterone [Ald.], sodium ions [Na+], potassium ions [K+], total chloride ions [T.Cl-] levels, pH value and haematological indices were examined in rats after an administration with different insecticide combinations. Moreover, after withdrawal the pesticide combinations for 30 days, as a recovery period, the above mentioned parameters were evaluated, in comparison with the control group. Results showed that, pesticide combination imidacloprid/profenofos [I + P] induced significant decrease in Na+ and T.Cl- ions levels and significant increase in pH value. While, it did not alter both Ald. and K+ ions levels. Combination imidacloprid/carbosulfan [I + C] increased significantly Ald., T.Cl- ions levels and pH values. On the contrary, it reduced Na+ and K+ ions levels significantly. Combination of profenofos/carbosulfan [P + C] decreased Ald. and Na+ significantly, while, K+ and T.Cl- level and pH value did not alter. In addition, tri-combination imidacloprid/ profenofos/carbosulfan [I + P + C] increased Na+ and T.Cl- ions level and pH value; while, a marked decline in Na+ ions level was occurred, as well as, no appreciable changes in K+ ion levels were observed. The combinations of I + P and I + C caused erythropenia [reduced RBC mass] associated with a significant decrease in PCV in I + C-treated rats. While, di-combinations P + C, I + P and I + P + C tri-combinations increased markedly of PCV and MCV. However, leukocytosis [elevated WBCS count] was observed in I + P + C-treated rats. After the pesticides combination withdrawal, changes in some parameters returned to the normal values, in comparison with the control group; while, the others still altered. Moreover, some parameters did not exhibit any changes unless after the stop of the treatment. In conclusion, this study supports the notion that; an interactions effects of pesticide combinations may be consider as contributor factor enhance their side effects

Effect of defoliant (butiphose) on morpho-physiological properties and enzyme systems of natural membranes.

Butiphose (Tributyltritiophosphate, (C4H9S)3PO) a commonly used defoliant in cotton growing regions of USSR, caused extensive alterations in morphological features of erythrocyte and nuclear membranes and affected the permeability properties of rat liver mitochondrial membrane. It disrupted Ca2+ transport system and other energy dependent processes in mitochondria. A reduction in the activity of cytochrome-c-oxidase and NAD.H-oxidase was also observed.