EVALUATION OF THE TOXIC POTENTIAL OF GRAMOXONE HERBICIDE ON THE WEIGHT AND LIVER OF ALBINO RATS.

Abstract

This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of diluted gramoxone herbicide at a dilution factor of 104 in a 10-fold serial dilution in graded doses of 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mg/kg b.w on male and female rats. Forty male and female rats of weights 79g to 119g were divided into group A, B, C and D. Each group contains 5 males and 5 females. Control group A and 0.25,0.5 and 0.75 mg/kg b.w orally treated rats in group B, C, and D were fed with pelletized feeds and water ad libitum for 28 days respectively. The rats were allowed to starve a day and weighed prior to sacrifice. Blood samples were collected in EDTA bottles. Result showed a decrease in AST, ALT, ALP in all treated groups in male rats, a decrease in AST in all treated groups, in ALT in group B and C (p>0.05) but an increase in ALT in group D and an increase in ALP in all treated group in female rats (p<0.05) compared with control. TP showed a decrease in all treated group in male rats (p<0.05) measured with control. Albumin decreased/increased in group B/C in male rats, increased in group C and equal values in group B and D in male and female rats compared with control. There was an increased in weight in all treated groups and mild inflammatory effects on the liver tissue in group B and D. The results further registered gramoxone herbicide having paraquat as active ingredient toxic to the liver even at a much diluted state and at low doses.