ABSTRACT
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is largely used as a selective herbicide in Tunisia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 2,4-D on the kidneys of adult rats and their suckling pups. Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: the controls and the treated rats that received 600 mg/L of 2,4-D in their drinking water from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Exposure to 2,4-D induced nephrotoxicity as evidenced by an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyl levels and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase in the kidneys of suckling pups and their mothers. In addition, a significant decline in kidney glutathione, non-protein thiol and vitamin C levels was also observed. Histological changes, seen in the kidney of mothers and their pups treated with 2,4-D are characterized by a narrowed Bowman's space, tubular epithelial cells degeneration, widened tubular lumen and vascular congestion.
Subject(s)
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid/toxicity , Herbicides/toxicity , Kidney/drug effects , Animals , Ascorbic Acid/metabolism , Catalase/metabolism , Female , Glutathione/metabolism , Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism , Kidney/metabolism , Kidney/pathology , Pregnancy , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism , Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances/metabolism , TunisiaABSTRACT
Gibberellic acid (GA(3)), a plant growth regulator, was largely used in agriculture of many countries including Tunisia. However, its potential hazardous effects on human health were relatively unexplored. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of GA(3) on hepatic function in female rats and their pups. Animals were given daily 200 ppm GA(3) in drinking water from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. It was found that GA(3) induced liver damages as evidenced by the elevation of plasma aminotransferases (ALT, AST), lactate dehydrogenase activities, bilirubin and albumin levels. Hepatotoxicity was objectified by the significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) level and a decrease of antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione content in liver of suckling pups and their mothers. Impairment of hepatic function corresponded histologically. We have observed blood vessels congestion and leucocytes infiltration, which were more pronounced in hepatocytes of dams than those of suckling pups. Results of this current study suggest that exposure rats to GA(3) induces hepatotoxicity and histopathological changes in liver of female rats and their progeny.
Subject(s)
Gibberellins/toxicity , Liver/drug effects , Alanine Transaminase/blood , Animals , Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood , Catalase/metabolism , Female , Glutathione/analysis , L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/blood , Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects , Liver/metabolism , Liver/pathology , Rats , Rats, WistarABSTRACT
In the present study, two groups of pregnant female rats were submitted to food restriction (24 h fast versus 24 h diet intake) from the 14th day of pregnancy until either the 14th day (group B) or the 4th day after parturition (group C). All pups and their mothers were sacrificed on day 14 after delivery. The body weight of the 14-day-old pups (group B) was 46% less than the controls (group A). Free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine levels in the plasma were reduced by 44 and 16% in pups and by 20 and 36% in their mothers, respectively. These reductions were correlated with a decrease in thyroid iodine content of the pups (-50%) and their mothers (-24%). Radioiodine uptake (131I) by the thyroid gland of pups was significantly increased by 27%. Plasma TSH levels were decreased by 38% in pups and by 44% in dams. Morphological changes in thyroid glands were observed in energy restricted dams and in their pups. Some of follicles in pups were empty. Moroever in dams, we noted the presence of peripheral resorbed vacuoles, sign of thyroid hyperactivity. After a refeeding (group C) period of ten days, total recovery occurred in plasma thyroid hormone levels (FT4 and FT3) and in thyroid iodine contents of pups in spite of a partial recovery of body weights and plasma TSH levels. In dams, a partial recovery occurred in plasma thyroid hormone levels in spite of total recovery in thyroid iodine contents, while plasma TSH levels exceeded control values. A significant amelioration in thyroid histological aspects was observed in pups and their dams.
