Effects of paraquat dichloride in male rabbits
Dikshith, T.S.; Datta, K.K.; Raizada, R.B.; Kushwah, H.S.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 17(9): 926-928
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5189 PMID: 544470 Document Number: 149606
Daily oral administration of paraquat, a known herbicide, at a dose of 11 mg/kg for 30 days induced no toxic symptoms in rabbits. There was no death due to paraquat feeding. The morphological changes in liver, kidney, testis, epididymis and adrenal were not significant. Of the 12 animals only 1 showed marked emphysema, interstitial and interalveolar lung fibrosis. The lumen of the smaller bronchioles was filled with edematous fluid. In contrast to mild morphological changes the activity of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase in lung and serum of treated animals indicated a significant decrease and increase, respectively. Serum alkaline and acid phosphatase also presented a significant depletion or mild elevation of the respective enzymes. These findings are discussed in the context of early toxic effects of paraquat in rabbit-an animal resistant to paraquat induced pulmonary change.