Alterations of blood indices associated with low-dose administration of methomyl insecticide for short times to albino rats

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate haematological and biochemical alterations associated with short-term intraperitoneal sublethal (1/10 LD₅₀, 2 mg/kg body weight) methomyl administration to male albino rats over two and five days, and also the effects of a two-week recovery period. Methomyl administration over five but not two days decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. A number of blood biochemical parameters increased (serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, uric acid, creatinine) or decreased (globulin); a recovery period returned many entirely or nearly to control levels. Enzyme activities (ALP, ALT, AST) and bilirubin levels increased following methomyl treatment, but again returned to control levels following a recovery period. We conclude that short low doses of methomyl can harm the blood, kidney and liver of rats.

Keywords: methomyl insecticide; hematology and biochemical alternations; male rats.