Ameliorative effect of vitamin C and E on hematological alterations induced by chlorpyrifos alone and in conjunction with fluoride in Wistar rats

Abstract

Objective: Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a common organophosphorus pesticide used worldwide for the management of agricultural and household pests. Similarly excessive fluoride (F) ingestion is an important public health problem all over the world due to high fluoride content in groundwater. The present study aimed to investigate the alterations in hematological parameters by CPF alone and in conjunction with fluoride and their amelioration by vitamin C and E. Methods: The study was carried out in two phases; in the first phase toxicity was induced by toxicants and in the second phase ameliorative efficacy of vitamins was tested. Results: In the first phase, repeated oral administration of fluoride in drinking water at the dose of 1 and 10 mg/l caused increased monocyte and total leukocyte count (TLC). On the other hand, orally administered CPF (1 mg/kg) resulted in decrease of packed cell volume (PCV) with increase in TLC; in addition, granulocytes and monocytes were significantly increased. CPF at 10 mg/kg significantly decreased PCV and total erythrocyte count (TEC), whereas increase in TLC was observed. Co-administration of fluoride in drinking water (10 mg/l) and CPF via oral gavage (10 mg/kg) for 28 days resulted in decrease of hemoglobin (Hb), PCV, TEC whereas increase in TLC. The differential leukocyte count (DLC) showed a decrease in lymphocyte values but an increase in granulocytes and monocytes. Conclusion: Simultaneous administration of with vitamin C and E along with CPF and fluoride ameliorated various hematological parameters, except TLC, granulocytes and monocytes, induced by co-exposure of CPF and fluoride in Wistar rats.