Ameliorative Potentials of Vitamin C against Inhaled Dichlorvos Lung Toxicity of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Dichlorvos (DDVP), an active ingredient of Sniper insecticide, is commonly used in Nigeria to control insects by killing them thereby preventing the spread of diseases. However, it can be highly toxic to humans when inhaled into the respiratory system which could elicit oxidative stress and cause respiratory infections. Vitamin C is known to be an anti-oxidant, capable of inhibiting oxidative stress. This study was aimed at investigating the ameliorating effect of vitamin C on dichlorvos-induced toxicity of the rat lung. Materials and methods: Forty (40) male wistar rats (weighing 150 – 200g) were recruited and randomly grouped into five (5) groups of eight (8) rats each. A group was the control; two groups were exposed to graded concentrations of DDVP while the last two groups were treated with vitamin C. Body weights were obtained before and after the period of 21-day exposure. After 21 days, histopathological and biochemical analysis were carried out to examine the level of toxicity of DDVP and effect of vitamin C treatment on the lung tissues. Results: Rat groups treated using vitamin C administration had significant improvements in body weights compared to DDVP-exposed groups. MDA levels as well as CATA and SOD activities increased significantly on vitamin C-treated rat groups (p < 0.05). Post treatment of rat groups with vitamin C showed that the lung histoarchitecture significantly improved. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Vitamin C could be a supplementary remedy in organophosphate (dichlorvos) poisoning through inhalation.