Ameliorative effect of antioxidants (vitamins C and E) against abamectin toxicity in liver, kidney and testis of male albino rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of vitamins C and E as antioxidants on the physiological and histopathological changes induced by abamectin pesticide in liver, kidney and testis of male albino rats. Thirty male albino rats were divided into five groups of 6 rats each. First group served as control, while the second group received 10 mg/kg b.wt of abamectin orally, the third group received abamectin daily and 160 mg/kg b.wt of vitamin C two times per week. The fourth group received abamectin daily plus 50 mg/kg b.wt of vitamin E two times per week, while the fifth group received abamectin daily plus vitamins C and E two times per week. The experiment was conducted for six weeks. Abamectin was found to induce, hepato renal and testicular toxicity in rats, since the biochemical parameter of liver function (i.e. alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartame amino transferase (AST), acid phosphatase (AP), glucose, total protein, albumin) and kidney function (i.e. creatinine, urea, uric acid, cholesterol and triglycerides) were highly affected. These effects were demonstrated by histopathological examination of liver, kidney and testis tissues. These observations were much reduced in the vitamin-treated groups.

In conclusion, it appears that vitamins C and E, or in combination (as antioxidants) ameliorate the hepato-renal and testicular toxicity of abamectin, but are not completely protective, especially in liver tissue.